Savory British Pork Pie Recipe: A Cozy Classic Made Simple

Crafting a delectable pork pie brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventure.

Layers of savory meat nestled between buttery pastry create a classic British culinary tradition.

Regional variations add depth and character to this hearty dish.

Flaky crusts and rich fillings promise a delightful meal that connects generations.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this rustic recipe through careful technique and love.

Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the balanced blend of seasoned pork and delicate pastry.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right away.

Ways To Change Up Delia Smith Pork Pie

• Lamb Variation: Replace pork with ground lamb, adding mint leaves for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap meat with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein, maintaining herb seasoning and pastry technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for pastry, keeping all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.
• Chicken Alternative: Substitute pork with ground chicken, incorporating sage and thyme for complementary herb notes.

Best Pairings With Delia Smith Pork Pie

• Pair Tangy Apple Cider: Crisp apple cider complements the rich, savory pork pie by cutting through the meat's heaviness and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled onions or cornichons add a zesty crunch that balances the pie's rich, meaty filling and provides a bright flavor counterpoint.
• Match Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to enhance the pie's herbal notes and stand up to the robust pork flavor.
• Create Herb Salad Side: Prepare a light, green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and dill to provide a fresh, clean palate cleanser alongside the hearty pie.

How To Store Delia Smith Pork Pie Properly

• Store leftover pork pies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual pork pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months in the freezer. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated pies at 160C for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 74C for food safety.
• Reheat single portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Let stand for 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Crisp the pastry briefly in a toaster oven for better texture.

Common FAQs On Delia Smith Pork Pie

• What are the key herbs used in this pork pie recipe?

The key herbs typically include fresh thyme and parsley, which add depth and traditional flavor to the pork mixture, enhancing the overall taste of the pie.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While pork is traditional, you could substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version, but this will slightly change the classic flavor profile of the traditional pork pie.

• Is this a British-style pork pie?

Yes, this recipe follows the classic British pork pie method with a hot water crust pastry and seasoned meat filling, reminiscent of traditional English countryside cooking.

• How do I know when the pork pie is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F), the pastry is golden brown, and the meat juices run clear when pierced with a knife.

Why Delia Smith Pork Pie Is A Tasty Classic

• Craft Hearty Comfort: Dive into a classic dish that wraps traditional flavors into a delightful pastry package, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn easy cooking steps that transform basic ingredients into a stunning pie, making you feel like a kitchen pro without complicated methods.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Enjoy this recipe hot or cold, making it ideal for picnics, lunch boxes, family dinners, and spontaneous gatherings with friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress everyone from picky kids to discerning adults with a savory pie that combines tender pork, aromatic herbs, and flaky pastry in every delicious bite.

What You Need For Delia Smith Pork Pie

• Pork: A flavorful ground meat that forms the primary protein for the pie filling.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide depth and savory notes to the meat mixture.
• Herbs: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional seasoning to the pork filling.
• Salt, Seasoning: Essential ingredients that balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

• Flour: The key structural component that creates a tender and flaky pie crust.
• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a golden, crisp pastry texture.
• Water: Helps bind the pastry ingredients and create a smooth, workable dough.
• Egg: Used for brushing the pastry to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.

How To Make Delia Smith Pork Pie At Home

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a skillet and gently cook diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, releasing its rich, savory fragrance.

Step 2: Blend Meat and Seasonings

Combine ground pork with the cooled onion mixture. Add a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and parsley. Season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of nutmeg for depth of flavor. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare Flaky Pastry Dough

In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour and salt. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, pliable dough. Let it rest briefly to develop its texture.

Step 4: Shape and Fill Pie Crusts

Grease pie tins and roll out the pastry. Carefully line each tin with the pastry, pressing it into the corners. Fill the pastry shells generously with the seasoned pork mixture, creating a hearty filling.

Step 5: Top and Seal Pies

Cover each pie with a pastry lid. Crimp and seal the edges carefully to prevent filling from leaking. Cut a small steam vent in the center of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the pie tops with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour. The pies are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and the juices run clear.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. These versatile pies can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them perfect for picnics, lunch, or a satisfying dinner. Each bite promises a burst of traditional British comfort food.

Helpful Tips For Delia Smith Pork Pie Success

• Swap Meat Options: Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative that still delivers amazing flavor and keeps the recipe diet-friendly.
• Perfect Pastry Trick: Let pastry rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
• Season Smartly: Add extra fresh thyme or sage to boost herbal notes and create deeper, more complex taste profile in the meat mixture.
• Temperature Check: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal pork temperature reaches 71°C for safe and perfectly cooked filling every single time.
• Make Ahead Magic: These pies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them excellent meal prep option for busy families or quick weeknight dinners.

Pork Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty British Pork Pie celebrates classic countryside flavors with rich pastry and savory meat filling. Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional delicacy that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) pork mince
• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) diced pork
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) streaky bacon

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pastry and Binding:

• 170 grams (6 ounces) butter
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 3/4 cups plain flour
• 20 grams (0.7 ounces) butter
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in melted butter until translucent and fragrant, then allow to cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, fresh herbs, cooled onion mixture, and seasonings, blending thoroughly until well incorporated.
3. Prepare hot water and butter in a saucepan, then gradually whisk in flour and salt to create a smooth pastry dough, kneading until elastic and uniform.
4. Grease four individual pie tins and carefully line each with rolled-out pastry, ensuring even coverage and minimal tears.
5. Evenly distribute the seasoned pork mixture into the prepared pastry shells, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
6. Cover each pie with a pastry lid, crimping and sealing edges meticulously to prevent filling leakage.
7. Create a small steam vent in the center of each pie lid using a sharp knife.
8. Generously brush pastry surfaces with beaten egg for a rich, golden finish.
9. Preheat oven to 180°C and bake pies for approximately 60 minutes, monitoring until pastry turns golden brown and meat juices run clear.
10. Allow pies to rest and cool slightly before serving, enjoying them warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
• Ensure herbs are freshly chopped for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic profile.
• Pat meat mixture dry before filling pastry to prevent soggy bottom crust.
• Create gluten-free option by substituting wheat flour with almond or rice flour blend.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 629 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 584 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg