How to make corned beef pasties
If you are a fan of traditional British cuisine, then you must try corned beef pasties. These delicious savory pastries are a crowd favorite and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. Made with tender corned beef and wrapped in flaky pastry, they are the perfect comfort food.
To make corned beef pasties, start by preparing the filling. It usually consists of cooked corned beef, onion, potato, and a variety of spices and seasonings. You can also add vegetables like carrots or peas to enhance the flavor and texture.
The next step is to make the pastry. The ideal pastry for pasties is a shortcrust pastry, which is easy to make and has a buttery and crisp texture. Simply combine flour, butter, and water to form a smooth dough. You can also add a pinch of salt or herbs to add extra flavor.
Once the filling and pastry are ready, it’s time to assemble the pasties. Roll out the pastry and cut it into individual circles or squares. Spoon the filling onto one half of each pastry shape, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and seal the edges by crimping them with a fork.
Before cooking the pasties, make a few small slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the pasties from getting soggy. Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny finish.
Bake the pasties in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once they are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Corned beef pasties are best enjoyed warm with some tomato ketchup or brown sauce on the side.
Now that you know how to make corned beef pasties, why not give them a try? They are a classic British dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a lunchtime treat, or a hearty dinner, these pasties are always a hit. So go ahead and indulge yourself in this mouthwatering culinary delight!
Preparing the dough
To make delicious corned beef pasties, you need to start by preparing the dough. The dough is the foundation of the pasty, and getting it right is essential for a crispy and flaky crust.
Here’s how to prepare the dough:
- Gather the ingredients: You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cubed), and 1/2 cup of cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water to the mixture, a little at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and gently knead it a few times until it comes together and becomes smooth.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help keep it firm and easier to work with.
Conclusion
Preparing the dough is the first step in making corned beef pasties. Follow these instructions to ensure a perfect dough that will result in a delicious and satisfying crust for your pasties.
Making the filling
To make the filling for your corned beef pasties, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 300g corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and carrot to the skillet and cook until they become slightly tender.
- Add the finely chopped corned beef to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour Worcestershire sauce over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling is heated through and well combined.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool.
Once the filling has cooled down, you can proceed with assembling your corned beef pasties.
Assembling and baking the pasties
Once the filling is prepared and the pastry is rolled out, it’s time to assemble the corned beef pasties. This is a fairly simple process, but it’s important to make sure the pasties are sealed properly to prevent any leakages while baking. Follow these steps to assemble and bake delicious pasties:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Take a pastry disc and place a generous amount of the corned beef filling in the center. Avoid overfilling as it can make the pasty difficult to seal.
Step 3: Fold the pastry disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pasty.
Step 4: To add a traditional touch, crimp the edges of the pasty with your fingers or a fork. This will create a decorative pattern and further seal the edges.
Step 5: Transfer the assembled pasty onto the prepared baking tray. Repeat the steps with the remaining pastry discs and filling.
Step 6: Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the pasties with the beaten egg. This will create a golden, shiny crust when baked.
Step 7: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the pasties for about 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Once baked, remove the pasties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm and comforting corned beef pasties!
These pasties are perfect for a picnic, lunch, or even as a snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.