Embark on a culinary journey to the English countryside with these savory Cornish Beef Pasties. These golden parcels, filled with a flavorful combination of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs, promise to transport you to a world of warmth and tradition. Let’s dive into the delightful process of crafting these handheld delights!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 egg yolks, divided
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or 1 lb leftover roast, chopped)
- 1 lb waxy potatoes (red or Yukon gold), diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
For the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut the chilled butter into small pieces and work it into the flour until it becomes a crumbly mixture.
- Mix the cold water with one of the egg yolks, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix until all the flour is incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead until it comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
For the Filling: 5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, season the ground beef with salt and pepper and brown it. Remove it to a bowl and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add potatoes, onion, and carrots. Cook until mostly soft, about 6-8 minutes. If needed, add a bit of olive oil or butter.
- Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute.
- Combine the vegetable mixture with the beef in the bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Assembly
- Flour a clean surface and divide the dough into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a 3/8-inch thick circle.
- Wet the edges of the dough with water, then spoon the cooled beef mixture over slightly less than half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by crimping or using a fork to press the dough layers together.
- Transfer the pasty to a prepared baking sheet and cut three small slits in the top for venting.
- Whisk together the remaining egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of water and brush it over the top of each pasty.
- Bake until they’re beautifully golden brown, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
Note: If you plan to freeze some pasties, skip the egg wash and bake for only 20 minutes. Later, brush the frozen pasty with egg wash and bake at 400°F for an additional 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Savor the authentic taste of British comfort food with your homemade Cornish Beef Pasties. These golden pockets of goodness, filled with a hearty and flavorful combination of ingredients, are a testament to the rich culinary tradition of the English countryside. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these pasties are a delightful addition to any mealtime.