This one is a favourite and I vary it between different ales, sometimes a stout or a Guinness, it always yields fantastic flavour and is a real family favourite.
I only add a puff pastry lid so it isn’t quite as naughty as it could be, and I am unashamed to admit I use shop-bought puff pastry (this time from Lidl) that is ready rolled as a slight shortcut. The meat takes a good three hours of slow braising in the broth before putting into the pie dish though, so I still feel rather virtuous.
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| Steak and Ale Pot Pie |
Here's how:
- 500ml ale (I used Shepherd's Neame Bishop's Finger)
- 500g braising steak
- 100g mushrooms
- 1 onion
- 500ml beef stock or gravy
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp white Pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 pack ready rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg
Firstly add the rapeseed oil (olive or vegetable oil is fine too) into a non-stick pan on a medium heat and place the oven onto 180.
Now cut the beef with a sharp knife, into generous bite sized pieces.
In a bowl place the plain flour and season, generously then give a quick stir. Now place the meat into the flour and toss to coat it in the seasoned flour all over. This will help to not only flavour the meat, but to thicken the cooking liquor into a thick gravy.
Add the meat to the pan and sear on all sides to gently brown, then remove the meat and add to a casserole dish.
Now slice a large white onion and add to the dish. Wash and slice the mushrooms and add to the dish and give a good stir.
Pour over the ale you are using and the beef stock, place the lid on top and put the dish into the oven for 3 hours of cooking.
After the first half hour turn the oven down to 160 and try to stir the dish every half hour or so.
Remove from the oven once cooked and test the meat, it should be tender and soft enough to break with ease when pushing a fork through. If the meat is still a little tough, return to the oven for 30 minutes.
Now leave to stand for 30 minutes or more as this will help the sauce to thicken further. Place the meat and juices into a pie dish.
Now place the pastry lid over the top so it hangs over the side and use your thumb to press down all round the edges to seal it. As this is a pot pie it needn't be super neat and certainly isn't at my house.
You can decorate the top with any adornment or leave it plain, as my daughter loves to help me cook we use cookie cutters to make different shapes each time.
Now beat an egg and use a pastry brush to coat the pastry and help it have a lovely shine and colour when cooked.
Finally use a sharp knife to make 2-3 incisions straight into the pastry, this is to allow the steam to rise out and avoid soggy pastry.
Place into the oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and serve with your choice of accompaniments. Enjoy!
Here's a few more savoury pie suggestions from me:
And if you prefer a potato topping here are some lovely variations:
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