A St. Andrew's Day Pie Recipe to Make You Proud (and Full!)
So, St. Andrew's Day is rolling around again. You know, that time of year when we celebrate Scotland's patron saint? And what better way to celebrate than with a hearty, delicious pie? Seriously, this is the way to show your Scottish pride (or just your love of good food). This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
The Ingredients – Let's Get This Party Started!
This isn't your grandma's boring apple pie (unless your grandma was awesome). We're talking about a savory masterpiece, chock-full of flavors that scream "Scotland!"
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For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, for a truly traditional feel)
- 1 large onion, chopped – don't skimp on the onion, it's crucial!
- 2 carrots, chopped – Adds sweetness and color, people!
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – The holy trinity of mirepoix, baby!
- 1 cup beef broth – Keeps things moist and flavorful.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – That umami bomb!
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Earthy goodness.
- ½ tsp dried rosemary – A classic Scottish herb.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don't forget these essentials!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because cheese makes everything better.
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For the crust:
- 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or make your own if you're feeling ambitious) – Honestly, store-bought is totally fine!
Let's Bake This Baby! Step-by-Step Instructions
This part is super straightforward, even for a baking newbie. Just follow these steps, and you'll be munching on deliciousness in no time.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important, people! Don't skip this step.
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. I usually curse a little at this stage, but it's worth it.
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Sauté the veggies: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently.
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Simmer the filling: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has slightly reduced. This is where the magic happens.
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Assemble the pie: Pour the beef mixture into one of the pie crusts. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Top with the other pie crust and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
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Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool for a bit before slicing and serving. Seriously, let it cool!
Serving Suggestions and Final Thoughts
This St. Andrew's Day pie is amazing on its own, but you can totally dress it up. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. A wee dram of Scotch whisky wouldn't hurt either! Honestly, I could eat this pie every day.
This recipe is super adaptable, too. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses. Add some mushrooms for extra umami or swap the cheddar for a sharp Scottish cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Happy St. Andrew's Day, everyone! Enjoy your pie!