ad
Return to listing

Old-fashioned Raised Pork Pies

These were originally raised by hand using old-fashioned wooden pie moulds but, in the 21st century, deep muffin tins make everything so much simpler. The most famous English pork pies come from Melton Mowbray and traditionally, a very small amount of anchovy essence was used to add subtle additional flavour.

 
 
Old-fashioned Raised Pork Pies

  Makes 6

Ingredients
For the filling:
 12 oz (350 g) pork shoulder, including some fat
 4 oz (110 g) unsmoked back bacon rashers, derinded
 1 heaped teaspoon chopped fresh sage
 ½ teaspoon anchovy essence
 ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
 ¼ teaspoon ground mace
 salt and freshly milled black pepper
For the hot-water crust pastry:
 8 oz (225 g) strong plain white flour, plus a little extra for dusting
 a pinch of salt
 1 fl oz (25 ml) milk
 3 oz (75 g) lard
To glaze:
 1 large egg yolk
Conversions
Need help with conversions?
Equipment
You will also need a non-stick muffin tin, with 6 cups, each one 3 inches (7.5 cm) across the top, and about 1¼ inches (3 cm) deep, lightly buttered, a plain 3¼ inch (8 cm) pastry cutter, and a baking sheet.

This recipe is taken from The Delia Collection: Pork.

Method

Begin the recipe by preparing the meats which need to be coarsely chopped in a processor using the pulse button – you need a chopped rather than a minced effect. Then simply combine all the filling ingredients and give everything a really good seasoning. Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4, 350°F (180°C). 


Next, the pastry: sift the flour and salt into a bowl and then put the milk and 1 fl oz (25 ml) of water into a small saucepan and add the lard, cut up into small pieces. Place the pan over a gentle heat and when the fat has completely melted in the liquid, turn up the heat to bring it just up to the boil, then pour it on to the flour and, using a wooden spoon, mix everything together. 

Turn the dough out on to a work surface and knead very lightly and briefly. You have to work quickly now, as it’s important that the pies go into the tin while the dough is still warm. Take two-thirds of the dough and cut this up into 6 equal parts. Roll each of these into a ball and put 1 into each of the holes in the tin. Using your thumb, quickly press each ball flat on to the base and then up to the top edge. Press the pastry over the rim of the top edge; it should overlap by at least ¼ inch (5 mm). 

Now divide the processed pork mixture among the lined muffin cups. Then roll out the remaining pastry and cut out six 3¼ inch (8 cm) rounds for lids; the pastry will be quite thin, so you may need to sprinkle the work surface with a little flour. Next, using a pastry brush, paint a little egg yolk round the edge of each lid and gently press a lid on each pie, egg side down. Then, using a small fork, press the rims of the lids against the tops of the pie cases. Re-roll any pastry trimmings and cut out diamond-shaped leaves to decorate the lids. Then glaze the tops of the pies with the rest of the egg yolk and make a steam hole in each one. 

Now place the muffin tin on the baking sheet and bake the pies for 30 minutes on the middle shelf, then remove them from the oven. After this time, carefully and, using a small, round-bladed knife and oven gloves (or a thick cloth), remove the hot pies from the tin and place them directly on to the hot baking sheet; this will make the sides and base crispy. 

Bake for a further 20-25 minutes or until the sides and base of the pies are crispy, then leave them to cool on a wire rack.

 

Return to Homepage
 
 

Related recipes

'Not Pork' Pies Makes 6

'Not Pork' Pies

I've always wanted to do a non-meat equivalent of a pork pie and at last I've achieved it – serve with home-made pickles or chutneys. This is perfect food for outdoor eating and picnics

 
 
Picnic Pork Pie Serves 4-6

Picnic Pork Pie

The last thing you want on a picnic is a pie that disintegrates which is why this one - which holds its shape well and is easy to slice - is perfectly portable.

 
 
Bacon and Egg Pies Makes 12

Bacon and Egg Pies

Home-made individual bacon and egg pies, baked in patty tins or as a whole pie, make a very good and easily transportable picnic dish. Alternatively, they are nice served warm after the picnic if the weather wasn’t up to scratch. For a whole pie, use

 
 

 

 




 
Forums
Popular topic		 Latest post
What's cooking? How often do you cook?
24 May 2012 10:13
Food and travel Greek Islands
17 May 2012 14:16
Ingredients Meringues.
18 May 2012 09:11
Can Anyone Help? Freezing Cherries
24 May 2012 08:46
Books Best Exotic and Far Pavilions
17 May 2012 13:21
Equipment P.S. re glass measuring jugs
24 May 2012 08:33
Gardening Strawberries
24 May 2012 06:28
 
NetObserver
CMS solutions by REDtechnology.com
Site optimisation by The Web Clinic