Cornish Beef Pasties

Cornish Beef Pasties are a traditional British dish featuring a savory filling of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions encased in a flaky, golden pastry crust. These handheld pies are perfect for a hearty meal on the go or a comforting dinner at home. The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and buttery pastry makes these pasties irresistible.

Ingredients

Filling:

• 1 pound beef (ground or shredded roast)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 stick unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks, divided
• ½ cup cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate bowl, mix together 1 egg yolk and cold water.
• Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, blending until the dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and onions to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are almost tender.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.

1. Shape the Pasties:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
• Divide the chilled dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 1/4-inch thick.
• Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto one side of each dough circle.
• Moisten the edges with water, fold the dough over the filling, and press to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
• Cut a few small slits on the top of each pasty to allow steam to escape.

1. Bake the Pasties:

• In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg yolk with a bit of water to create an egg wash.
• Brush the tops of the pasties with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
• Place the pasties on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

1. Freezing Option:

• If you wish to freeze some pasties for later, partially bake them for 20 minutes.
• Cool completely, then freeze. When ready to eat, brush each pasty with an egg wash and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the pasties cool slightly before serving.
• Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of these traditional Cornish Beef Pasties!

Tips

• Chilled Ingredients: Keep the butter and water cold to ensure a flaky pastry crust.
• Ventilation: Make sure to cut slits on top of each pasty to prevent them from bursting during baking.
• Egg Wash: Brushing the pasties with an egg wash gives them a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
• Make Ahead: These pasties can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick and convenient meal later on.

These Cornish Beef Pasties are sure to be a hit with their rich flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy the taste of traditional British cuisine in every bite!