Hairy Bikers Beef Pie Recipe

Dive into the world of classic British cuisine with the Hairy Bikers' Beef Pie, a dish that's as hearty as it is flavorful. This iconic recipe, known for its tender beef and rich ale-infused gravy, encapsulated under a golden puff pastry, comes straight from the culinary repertoire of the beloved Hairy Bikers. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this pie promises a taste of Britain's culinary heritage.

Brief Description of the Recipe The Hairy Bikers' Beef Pie, often referred to as Steak and Ale Pie, combines stewing steak, herbs, and vegetables, slow-cooked with ale to create a filling that's both tender and rich in flavor. The dish is topped with a layer of puff pastry that bakes to perfection, offering a crisp contrast to the savory filling beneath.

Cultural or Historical Context This pie stands as a testament to the British love affair with pies, tracing back centuries. The combination of meat, ale, and pastry embodies traditional British cooking methods and ingredients. The Hairy Bikers have taken this classic dish and made it their own, ensuring it retains its cultural significance while appealing to modern palates.

Ingredients List

For the filling:

• 900g stewing steak, diced
• 25g flour, plus extra for dusting
• 100g butter
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 150g button mushrooms
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 400ml good-quality ale
• 500ml beef stock
• Salt and pepper

For the pastry:

• 300g ready-made rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten for glazing

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven and seasoning the flour to coat the diced steak.
2. Sear the steak in butter until golden, then add the vegetables, herbs, ale, and beef stock.
3. After simmering to tenderize the beef and meld the flavors, transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish, top with puff pastry, and bake until the pastry is golden and puffed.

Storage and Reheating

To store, cool the pie completely before covering and refrigerating. For reheating, warm in an oven at a moderate temperature until heated through, ensuring the pastry remains crisp.

Nutritional Information

An average serving of this beef pie contains approximately 923 calories. It's rich in protein from the beef and provides a good source of carbohydrates from the pastry and vegetables.

FAQ about the Hairy Bikers Beef Pie

• Can I use homemade pastry for the pie? Yes, while the recipe suggests ready-made pastry for convenience, homemade pastry can be used for a more personal touch.
• Is it possible to prepare the filling in advance? Absolutely, preparing the filling ahead of time not only allows the flavors to develop more deeply but also makes assembly quicker.
• What type of ale is best for the pie? A good-quality, flavorful ale is recommended to enrich the pie filling with depth and character.

This comforting, flavorsome pie, with its rich history and cultural significance, is a perfect example of British culinary tradition. Whether served at a family dinner or as part of a festive menu, the Hairy Bikers' Beef Pie is sure to delight and satisfy.

The recipe for this classic dish can be found on the Hairy Bikers' official website and has been celebrated on platforms such as LoveFood for its authentic British flavors and hearty appeal​​​​.