Traditional Cornish Pasty Recipe

Cornish pasties are a traditional British pastry filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables, typically beef, potatoes, swede (rutabaga), and onions. Here's a recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• All-Purpose Flour: 500g
• Butter: 250g (cold and diced)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Cold Water: 150-200ml

For the Filling:

• Beef Skirt or Chuck Steak: 400g (diced into small cubes)
• Potato: 2 medium (peeled and diced)
• Swede (Rutabaga): 1 small (peeled and diced)
• Onion: 1 large (finely chopped)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (cut into small pieces)
• Egg: 1 (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions:

Make the Pastry:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
   • Add the cold, diced butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
   • Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Peel and dice the potatoes and swede into small cubes.
   • Finely chop the onion.

2. Mix the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the diced beef, potatoes, swede, and onion.
   • Season generously with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Pasties:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).

2. Roll Out the Pastry:

   • Divide the pastry into 6 equal portions.
   • On a floured surface, roll each portion into a round circle about the size of a dinner plate (approximately 20-25cm in diameter).

3. Fill the Pasties:

   • Place a portion of the filling mixture onto one half of each pastry circle.
   • Dot a few small pieces of butter on top of the filling.

4. Seal the Pasties:

   • Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water.
   • Fold the pastry over the filling to form a semicircle.
   • Press the edges together firmly and crimp them to seal. You can do this by pinching and twisting the edges or by pressing with a fork.

5. Egg Wash:

   • Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden finish.

Bake the Pasties:

1. Bake:

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 220°C (430°F).
   • After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

2. Serve:

   • Allow the pasties to cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve warm, ideally with a side of salad or some traditional British pickles.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cornish pasties!