## Paul Hollywood’s British Corned Beef and Potato Pie: A Family Feast Recipe
Craving a truly comforting and satisfying meal that’ll impress the whole family? Look no further than Paul Hollywood’s take on the classic British Corned Beef and Potato Pie. This isn’t your average pie; it’s a culinary hug in a flaky, golden crust, brimming with tender corned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and vibrant vegetables. Best of all, despite its rich and decadent appearance, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for novice cooks!
This double-crusted pie, as described by the renowned baking maestro himself, embodies a nostalgic charm with a modern twist. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening or a celebratory family gathering. Paul emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients – opting for good-quality tinned corned beef for optimal flavour and a reasonably waxy potato variety, such as Desiree, to ensure the perfect texture within the pie.
While homemade pastry adds an undeniable layer of authenticity, Paul acknowledges that time is often a precious commodity. Therefore, the recipe is adaptable, allowing for the use of readily available ready-made shortcrust pastry if needed, without compromising on the final result.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
* 300g plain flour
* Pinch of salt
* 75g cold unsalted butter, cut into 1cm cubes
* 75g lard, cut into 1cm cubes
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon vegetable or sunflower oil
For the Filling:
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
* 2 celery sticks, diced
* 1 large potato (about 250g), peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
* 340g corned beef, broken into large chunks
* Splash of Henderson relish or Worcestershire sauce
* 250ml beef stock
* 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
* Salt and white pepper
Instructions:
Making the Pastry (if making from scratch):
1. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and lard, and use your fingertips (or a food processor) to rub the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, using a table knife to mix until the dough comes together. Avoid adding too much water; the dough should be slightly firm but pliable.
3. Gently knead the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Filling:
1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook gently for 5-10 minutes, or until softened but not browned.
2. Add the potato and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the corned beef, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the vegetables.
4. Add the Henderson relish or Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool completely.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). You’ll need a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Divide the pastry into two portions – roughly two-thirds and one-third. Roll out the larger portion on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 2-3mm and use it to line the pie dish.
3. Roll out the remaining pastry for the pie lid.
4. Stir the chopped parsley into the cooled filling.
5. Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined dish. (If the filling is very wet, reserve some of the liquid to serve as gravy.)
6. Brush the edges of the bottom crust with beaten egg. Top with the rolled-out pastry lid, crimping the edges to seal. Trim any excess pastry.
7. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and make a couple of small holes to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Let the pie rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
This detailed guide ensures a perfect result every time. The combination of tender corned beef, fluffy potatoes, and a buttery, flaky crust creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience – a testament to the enduring appeal of classic British comfort food. So gather your family and enjoy this delicious, heartwarming pie!
