Irresistible Scotch Pie: The Best Cozy Comfort Food Recipe
This irresistible Scotch Pie recipe offers a cozy and comforting dish featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with a savory, seasoned ground meat filling. Perfect for a hearty snack or a satisfying meal, this traditional Scottish favorite combines simple ingredients like butter, flour, and well-seasoned beef or lamb with aromatic onions and garlic. The mini pies are baked to golden perfection, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying anytime you crave authentic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 medium-sized pies 1x
- Category: Savory Pies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry
- 1 cup Butter or vegan butter for dairy-free option
- 2 cups Flour (use gluten-free blend if necessary)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Filling
- 1 pound Beef or ground lamb/chicken
- 1 medium Onion (or shallots for milder flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh preferred, garlic powder acceptable)
- 1 cup Beef stock or vegetable stock for vegetarian option
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (freshly ground)
For the Egg Wash
- 1 Egg or almond milk for vegan option
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Filling: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef (or chosen meat) and cook until browned all over. Pour in the beef or vegetable stock, season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then let the mixture simmer briefly before removing it from the heat. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a circle cutter, cut out rounds large enough to form the base and lids of the pies.
- Assemble the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling onto each pastry round base. Cover with another pastry round and crimp or press the edges firmly to seal the pies completely, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg (or almond milk for a vegan option) and use a pastry brush to glaze the tops of the assembled pies. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown all over.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious comfort snack or meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free and vegan version, use vegan butter and substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives and vegetable stock.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used in place of regular flour for those with gluten intolerance.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste; adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor.
- These pies can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking—just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with a side of mushy peas, pickled onions, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Scotch Pie, Scottish recipe, comfort food, savory pies, ground beef pie, flaky pastry, traditional Scottish dish
