Chef's St. Andrew's Day Pie: A Deliciously Scottish Celebration
St. Andrew's Day? Yeah, I know, it's not exactly Thanksgiving or Christmas. But for Scots (and anyone who appreciates a seriously tasty pie!), it's a huge deal. And what better way to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland than with a truly epic pie? This isn't your grandma's apple pie, folks. This is a chef's St. Andrew's Day pie recipe, meaning it's got a bit more oomph.
A Taste of Scotland: The Filling
This isn't some flimsy filling, either. We're talking hearty, robust flavors that'll make you say "Wow, that's amazing!". The star of the show? Lean ground beef. But, hey, don't get your knickers in a twist; we're not just throwing some mince in a crust. This needs some serious love.
First, we're going to saute some finely chopped onions and carrots until they're nice and soft. Think of it as a hug for your tastebuds. Then, we add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, we add a splash of Worcestershire sauce (essential!), a healthy dose of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Don't be shy with the pepper!
Next, we're going to throw in some chopped mushrooms. I'm talking cremini, baby bella—whatever you've got! Mushrooms bring a fantastic earthy flavor to the mix. Seriously, don't skip this step. Finally, stir in some chopped fresh parsley. It adds a beautiful brightness and freshness.
The Crust: A Flaky Masterpiece
Now, about that crust... Let's be real, a good pie needs a fantastic crust. We're not talking about that sad, store-bought stuff. This is homemade, from scratch, and utterly delicious. You'll need all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter (super important!), ice water, and a pinch of salt.
Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix it—we want it to be flaky, not tough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crust. Trust me on this.
Assembling Your St. Andrew's Day Pie
Once the crust is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Place half of the dough into a pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Pour in your delicious meat filling.
Roll out the remaining dough and either cover the pie completely or, for a more rustic look (my personal preference!), create a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions and Final Thoughts
Serve your masterpiece warm, maybe with a side of mashed potatoes or some roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also cuts through the richness of the pie beautifully. Honestly, I could eat this pie every day for a week and not get bored. It's that good.
This St. Andrew's Day, ditch the generic takeout and create a truly memorable meal. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! And Happy St. Andrew's Day!