Travel the World with Your Taste Buds: Savory Pies Edition
Savory pies are a delicious and versatile dish that can be found in various cuisines around the world. Unlike their sweet counterparts, savory pies are filled with savory ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and cheese, making them a hearty and satisfying meal. These pies can be enjoyed as a main course or as a snack, and they are loved by people of all ages.
The history of savory pies dates back centuries, with evidence of their existence in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. In medieval times, pies were a popular way to preserve meat and vegetables, as the pastry acted as a protective layer. Over time, different cultures developed their own variations of savory pies, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
Savory pies have gained popularity around the world for several reasons. Firstly, they are a convenient and portable meal option. Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a picnic, savory pies can be easily packed and eaten without the need for utensils. Secondly, they are a great way to use up leftovers. By combining various ingredients into a pie filling, you can create a delicious meal using ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. Lastly, savory pies are incredibly versatile. You can customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions, making them a favorite among both meat lovers and vegetarians.
British Classics: From Steak and Ale to Shepherd’s Pie
When it comes to savory pies, British cuisine is renowned for its classics such as steak and ale pie and shepherd’s pie. Steak and ale pie is a hearty dish that combines tender chunks of beef with rich ale gravy, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. The combination of meat and beer creates a robust flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
To make steak and ale pie, start by browning cubes of beef in a hot pan with some oil. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they are softened. Add the beef back to the pan and pour in a bottle of ale. Let the mixture simmer until the beef is tender and the liquid has reduced. Transfer the filling to a pie dish and cover it with a sheet of puff pastry. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Shepherd’s pie, on the other hand, is a classic British comfort food that consists of a layer of minced lamb or beef topped with mashed potatoes. The dish gets its name from the fact that it was traditionally made with leftover roast meat, which shepherds would use to make a pie. Today, shepherd’s pie is enjoyed by people all over the world for its rich and hearty flavors.
To make shepherd’s pie, start by browning minced lamb or beef in a hot pan with some oil. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, and peas until they are softened. Add the meat back to the pan and pour in some beef stock. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid has reduced. Transfer the filling to a baking dish and top it with mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
Australian Delights: The Iconic Meat Pie and Beyond
In Australia, savory pies are a beloved staple of their cuisine. The most iconic Australian savory pie is undoubtedly the meat pie. This handheld pastry is filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, and gravy, making it a delicious and satisfying snack.
To make an Australian meat pie, start by browning ground beef in a hot pan with some oil. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions until they are softened. Add the beef back to the pan and pour in some beef stock. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid has reduced. Transfer the filling to a pie dish and cover it with a sheet of puff pastry. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
In addition to the classic meat pie, Australia is also known for its other savory pie variations. Some popular options include chicken and mushroom pie, steak and kidney pie, and vegetable pie. These pies can be made using similar methods as the meat pie, but with different fillings to suit your taste preferences.
French Fancies: Quiche, Tourtière, and More
When it comes to savory pies, France is famous for its quiches and tourtières. Quiche is a savory tart that consists of a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To make a quiche, start by blind baking a pastry crust in a tart pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and cream until well combined. Add your choice of fillings such as sautéed vegetables, cooked bacon or ham, and grated cheese to the egg mixture. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake in the oven until the quiche is set and golden brown.
Tourtière is another classic French savory pie that originated in the region of Quebec. It is traditionally made with ground pork or veal mixed with onions, spices, and herbs, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. Tourtière is often enjoyed during the holiday season and is served with cranberry sauce.
To make tourtière, start by browning ground pork or veal in a hot pan with some oil. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions until they are softened. Add the meat back to the pan and season it with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Let the mixture cool before transferring it to a pie dish and covering it with a sheet of puff pastry. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
South African Specialties: Bobotie and Biltong Pie
South Africa is known for its unique and flavorful cuisine, and when it comes to savory pies, two dishes stand out: bobotie and biltong pie. Bobotie is a traditional South African dish that consists of spiced minced meat topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.
To make bobotie, start by browning minced beef in a hot pan with some oil. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions until they are softened. Add the beef back to the pan and season it with spices such as curry powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with an egg-based custard made from beaten eggs, milk, and bay leaves. Bake in the oven until the custard is set and golden brown.
Biltong pie is another South African specialty that showcases their love for dried cured meats. Biltong is a type of dried cured meat similar to beef jerky but with its own unique flavor profile. In biltong pie, the dried cured meat is combined with onions, tomatoes, and spices, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.
To make biltong pie, start by sautéing onions in a hot pan with some oil until they are softened. Add diced tomatoes and biltong to the pan and cook until the tomatoes have softened. Season the mixture with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Transfer the filling to a pie dish and cover it with a sheet of puff pastry. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Jamaican Jerk: The Spicy Flavor of Jamaican Patties
Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and one of their most famous savory pies is the Jamaican patty. Jamaican patties are flaky pastries filled with a spicy meat or vegetable filling. They are often enjoyed as a snack or street food.
To make Jamaican patties, start by making the pastry dough by combining flour, salt, and turmeric in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles. In a separate bowl, mix together ground beef or chicken with spices such as jerk seasoning, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pastry circle and fold it over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the patties. Bake in the oven until the patties are golden brown and crispy.
In addition to traditional meat-filled patties, Jamaican cuisine also offers other savory pie variations such as callaloo pie (made with callaloo, a leafy green vegetable) and saltfish pie (made with salted codfish). These pies can be made using similar methods as the meat-filled patties, but with different fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Indian Influences: Samosas, Aloo Pie, and More
Indian cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, and when it comes to savory pies, samosas and aloo pie are two popular options. Samosas are triangular pastries filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
To make samosas, start by making the pastry dough by combining flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles. In a separate bowl, mix together boiled and mashed potatoes with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Add peas and any other desired fillings such as minced meat or paneer. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pastry circle and fold it over to form a triangle shape. Seal the edges with water or egg wash. Deep fry the samosas until they are golden brown and crispy.
Aloo pie is another Indian-inspired savory pie that is popular in Trinidad and Tobago. It consists of a soft and fluffy fried bread filled with spiced mashed potatoes. Aloo pie is often enjoyed as a street food or snack.
To make aloo pie, start by making the dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and turmeric in a bowl. Gradually add water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles. In a separate bowl, mix together boiled and mashed potatoes with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Add chopped onions, garlic, and chili peppers for added flavor. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pastry circle and fold it over to form a half-moon shape. Deep fry the pies until they are golden brown and crispy.
American Comfort Food: Chicken Pot Pie and Beyond
In America, savory pies are often associated with comfort food, and one of the most beloved American savory pies is chicken pot pie. Chicken pot pie is a classic dish that consists of a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.
To make chicken pot pie, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a hot pan with some oil until they are softened. Add diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until it is well coated. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with herbs such as thyme and parsley, as well as salt and pepper. Transfer the filling to a pie dish and cover it with a sheet of puff pastry. Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
In addition to chicken pot pie, American cuisine offers a variety of other savory pies such as beef pot pie, turkey pot pie, and seafood pot pie. These pies can be made using similar methods as the chicken pot pie, but with different fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Argentinean Empanadas: A Taste of South America
In Argentina, empanadas are a beloved savory pie that can be found in every corner of the country. Empanadas are small pastries filled with various ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, vegetables, or seafood. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
To make empanadas, start by making the pastry dough by combining flour, salt, and butter in a bowl. Gradually add water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles. In a separate bowl, mix together your choice of fillings such as ground beef with onions and spices, or cheese with spinach and garlic. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pastry circle and fold it over to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with water or egg wash. Bake in the oven until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
In addition to traditional meat-filled empanadas, Argentinean cuisine also offers other savory pie variations such as humita (made with corn), queso y cebolla (made with cheese and onions), and jamón y queso (made with ham and cheese). These pies can be made using similar methods as the meat-filled empanadas, but with different fillings to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make and Enjoy Savory Pies from Around the World
Savory pies are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various cuisines around the world. From British classics like steak and ale pie and shepherd’s pie, to Australian delights like meat pie, to French fancies like quiche and tourtière, to South African specialties like bobotie and biltong pie, to Jamaican jerk flavors in patties, to Indian influences like samosas and aloo pie, to American comfort food like chicken pot pie, to Argentinean empanadas, there is a savory pie for every taste preference.
To make savory pies, start by choosing your desired filling and pastry crust. The filling can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer meat, vegetables, or a combination of both, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious fillings.