Indulge in the deliciousness of a classic English dish with this homemade steak and kidney pie. Tender chunks of beef steak and nutrient-rich kidney are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. The filling is encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with mashed potatoes and green peas for a traditional British-style dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef steak, cubed
- 1/2 pound beef kidney, trimmed and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
Directions
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef steak and kidney and cook until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Return the beef steak and kidney to the saucepan. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the beef broth, stirring continuously. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pastry. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out two-thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom and sides of a pie dish. Line the dish with the pastry.
- Pour the beef steak and kidney filling into the pastry-lined dish. Roll out the remaining pastry to fit the top of the pie. Place it on top of the filling and seal the edges.
- Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to create a decorative pattern. Make a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes and green peas for a complete meal.
Interesting Facts
Steak and kidney pie is a traditional British dish, often served in pubs.
The combination of beef steak and kidney creates a rich and unique flavor in the pie filling.
The pastry crust is a crucial component of the pie, providing a delicious, flaky contrast to the tender filling.