Pork pie
The traditional pork pie is composed of a succulent filling of minced pork, herbs and spices, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. Though modest in size, the pie packs a powerful punch to tantalise taste buds. The herbal notes are tantalisingly balanced with the spiciness of the pork, while the pastry shell gives a satisfying crunch to each bite.
The history of the pork pie dates back to the 13th century, where it was traditionally served for celebratory occasions. Today, it remains a popular dish within British culture, particularly during special holidays like Easter and Christmas. While there are countless variations of the pork pie, including the ever-popular hot water crust variety, the core elements remain the same - succulent pork, aromatic herbs and a crisp, crumbly pastry shell.
Given its small size, the pork pie is an ideal snack or light lunch. And given its rich and complex flavour profile, it pairs well with a range of dishes and accompaniments. Perhaps try adding a dollop of tangy red onion chutney, or topping it with a zesty horseradish sauce, or even serving it alongside a fresh green salad.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a pork pie, and its enduring popularity stands testament to its culinary prowess. Whether you serve it as a hearty addition to your Sunday roast or indulge in it as a quick midday snack, pork pie is sure to have mouths watering with joy.
Pork pie recipes
Amazing Pork pie recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Pork pie
The peculiar origins of the eponymous pork pie are steeped in mystery - shrouded in an enticing fog of peculiarity and deliciousness.
For thousands of years, culinary masterpieces have been created, defined and re-defined by the splendid quirks of human history. It is no surprise, then, that the famous pork pie, so beloved the world over, can claim a particularly convoluted and curious lineage.
The exact origins of the pork pie remain somewhat opaque, although there is evidence to suggest that it was consumed by the ancient Greeks and Romans. According to some historians, the recipe for the pork pie was first discovered by a wandering Jewish monk in the 12th century, who then shared it with his companions upon his return to England.
A more widely accepted theory suggests that the pork pie first appeared in Britain in the 14th century. It is thought that this iteration of the dish may have originated from a variety of French pâtés, which had been brought across the channel during the Hundred Years' War.
The pork pie was already a popular dish in Europe by the time of the Industrial Revolution. During this time, the meat-filled pastry pie began to take on a life of its own, with cooks creating a variety of different versions. By the 19th century, the pork pie had become a firm favourite among the British working classes and had become a symbol of the industrial revolution.
Today, the traditional pork pie remains a much-loved British staple. Its popularity is not only down to its distinctive flavour and texture but also to its unique cultural heritage. The pork pie is a testament to the fragility of human history and the enduring power of culinary creativity.
Types of Pork pie
Pork pie is a classic British dish which has been enjoyed for centuries. Often served cold, it's a savory pastry filled with chopped pork and other flavors including onions, hard-boiled eggs, stock, and spices like nutmeg and allspice. Pork pies vary in size and shape from large pies which can be cut into pieces, to smaller individual pies intended for one serving. It may be comforting to know that despite the range of options for pork pie, the ingredients and preparation are not as complicated as one might think.
The most popular variety of pork pie is the traditional Melton Mowbray version. This type of pork pie takes its name from the town of Melton Mowbray in the East Midlands, England, where the dish originated. It features a hand-formed, raised crust which is made by combining suet, lard or butter with flour, salt, and cold water. Once the pastry is complete, it's filled with pork, onion, and plenty of seasoning. The pie is then baked until crispy and granted a Protected Geographical Indication by the European Union.
Another delicious type of pork pie is Cumberland pie, which came from the coastal region of Cumberland in northwest England. This pie is usually made with coarse minced pork, but can also contain other meats such as bacon, ground beef, and lamb. The distinctive feature of this meat pie is its latticed top, made by cutting narrow strips of pastry over the pie and crimping the edges along the sides.
Miniature pork pies are a great choice for parties and picnics, as they can be served as finger food or cut into slices for a more substantial portion. Rather than a pastry top, these miniature pies have a pastry lid, almost like a shortcrust pastry that covers the filling. If you're feeling fancy, you could glaze your mini pork pie with egg wash and sprinkle on some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese.
Pork pie is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, and can be prepared ahead of time to be enjoyed when you're ready. With endless variations to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect pork pie for any occasion.