Hey there folks,
Today we’re going to talk about one of my favorite things in the world: pies. And not just any pies, but savory pies that are perfect for those cozy, chilly nights in. Specifically, I’m talking about Shepherd’s Pie, Pot Pie, and Sweet Crusted Pie. So, grab a blanket, get comfortable, and let’s get started!
First up, let’s talk about Shepherd’s Pie. This classic pie is made with lamb or beef mince, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty, filling meal that is perfect for dinner. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
– 500g lamb or beef mince
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato puree
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 500ml beef stock
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1kg potatoes, peeled and boiled
– 75g butter
– 100ml milk
– Grated cheddar cheese, to top
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a large pan, cook the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the lamb or beef mince and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 25 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
6. While the mince is simmering, mash the boiled potatoes with butter and milk until smooth.
7. Pour the mince mixture into a large oven-proof dish and top with the mashed potato mixture.
8. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
10. Serve with your favorite greens on the side.
Next up, let’s talk about Pot Pie. This pie is best made with Chicken, but Turkey also goes well into this pie. It’s a perfect comfort food, and it will definitely warm you up on those cold winter evenings. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
– 500g chicken or turkey cut into pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons Plain Flour
– 500ml chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 250g puff pastry
– 1 egg, whisked
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F.
2. In a large pan, cook the onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the cut up chicken or turkey and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Pour the mixture into a pie dish.
7. Roll out the puff pastry and place it on top of the dish, trimming any excess pastry.
8. Brush the pastry with the whisked egg.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
Finally, let’s talk about Sweet Crusted Pie. This pie is perfect for all those sweet tooth cravings you have and is made with the popular favorites like Apple, Blueberry, and Cherry. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
– 3 cups of your favorite fruit (Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, etc.)
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1/2 cup of flour
– 1/2 cup of rolled oats
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of butter
– Whipped cream and additional fruit for topping (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture into a pie dish.
3. Cut 1 tablespoon of butter into small pieces and sprinkle over the fruit mixture.
4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
5. Cut the 1/4 cup of butter into small pieces and add it to the mixture.
6. Mix everything together with your hands until it resembles small crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the mixture over the fruit mixture in the pie dish.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the pie is golden brown.
9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with whipped cream and additional fruit on top (optional).
And there you have it – three delicious pies that are perfect for any comfort food craving. Serve them up with your favorite sides, a glass of wine, and enjoy. Happy cooking!