Steak and Kidney Pie: A Classic British Dish

Introduction

Steak and kidney pie is a classic British dish that is hearty, savory, and perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The combination of tender beef steak and rich kidney in a savory gravy, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry crust, is a truly comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out. In this blog post, we will show you how to make this delicious pie from scratch, step by step.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 500g beef steak, cubed
• 200g kidney, cubed
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 400ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the crust:

• 500g puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Cut the beef and kidney into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef and kidney to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme to the pan. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 hours, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove the bay leaves and transfer the mixture to a pie dish.
9. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and place it over the top of the pie dish. Trim the edges and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
10. Brush the egg over the top of the pastry to give it a golden shine.
11. Bake the pie for 30-40 minutes, until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
12. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Vegetarian/Vegan Variation

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy the flavors of a savory pie by replacing the beef and kidney with mushrooms and lentils. Use the same recipe for the crust, but for the filling:

• 500g mushrooms, sliced
• 200g green or brown lentils
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 400ml vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Follow the same instructions as above, but cook the lentils separately according to package instructions and add them to the mushroom mixture once it’s cooked.

Conclusion

Steak and kidney pie is a classic British dish that is easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just looking for a comfort meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it out and let us know what you think!

FAQ

What is Steak and Kidney Pie?

Steak and Kidney Pie is an English savory pie made with diced beef steak, beef or lamb kidneys, and gravy, usually in a pastry crust.

What type of pastry crust should I use for Steak and Kidney Pie?

Traditionally, Steak and Kidney Pie is made with a suet pastry, but you can use a shortcrust pastry or puff pastry as well.

Can I use other types of meat for Steak and Kidney Pie?

Yes, you can use other types of meat for the filling, such as lamb or pork. You can also use mushrooms or vegetables for a vegetarian version.

How do I prepare the steak and kidney filling?

To prepare the filling, you will need to brown the diced steak and kidneys in a pan with onions and garlic. Then, add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, and simmer until the meat is tender.

How do I assemble the pie?

Roll out the pastry and line a pie dish. Add the filling and cover with another layer of pastry. Brush with beaten egg and bake in the oven until golden brown.

How do I prevent the pie from becoming soggy?

To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, you can blind bake the base of the pastry before adding the filling. Also, make sure the filling is not too watery.

Can I freeze Steak and Kidney Pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

How do I reheat the pie?

To reheat the pie, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

What can I serve with Steak and Kidney Pie?

Steak and Kidney Pie can be served with mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

How long does Steak and Kidney Pie last?

Steak and Kidney Pie can last for up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.