Savory and Sweet Pasty Recipes: A Delicious Journey
Pastries, those delightful handheld treats, offer a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. From savory fillings to sweet indulgences, pasties cater to every palate. This blog post explores both savory and sweet pasty recipes, guiding you through each step to create irresistible homemade goodness.
Savory Pasty Delights: A Taste of Tradition
Savory pasties often evoke images of hearty fillings and flaky crusts, perfect for a satisfying meal or a comforting snack. Let's explore two popular variations:
Classic Cornish Pasty: A Taste of England
The Cornish pasty, a cornerstone of British cuisine, is known for its robust, flavorful filling.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry: 250g plain flour, 125g chilled butter, ½ tsp salt, 5-7 tbsp cold water
- For the Filling: 250g beef stew meat, 1 large onion, 2 potatoes, 1 swede, 1 tbsp beef dripping or oil, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the pastry: Combine flour and salt. Rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Wrap and chill.
- Prepare the filling: Dice beef, onion, potatoes and swede. Sauté onions in beef dripping until softened. Add beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add potatoes and swede, cooking until slightly tender.
- Assemble the pasties: Roll out the pastry and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling onto each circle, leaving a border. Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges to seal.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven (200°C/400°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Chicken and Vegetable Pasty: A Modern Twist
This recipe offers a lighter, more contemporary take on the classic pasty.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry: Same as above
- For the Filling: 2 cooked chicken breasts (diced), 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), ½ cup cheese sauce, herbs (parsley, thyme)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pastry (as above).
- Combine the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and cheese sauce in a bowl. Season with herbs.
- Assemble and bake the pasties (as above). Reduce baking time slightly if using pre-cooked filling.
Sweet Pasty Sensations: Indulgent Treats
Sweet pasties offer a delightful contrast to their savory counterparts, providing a sweet treat that's both satisfying and portable.
Apple Pasty: A Classic Comfort
This recipe captures the essence of a warm apple pie in a convenient, handheld format.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry: Same as above
- For the Filling: 4 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the pastry (as above).
- Combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a bowl.
- Assemble and bake the pasties (as above).
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pasty: A Summer Delight
A refreshing twist on the classic pasty, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry: Same as above. Consider using a shortcrust pastry for a more delicate flavor.
- For the Filling: 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced), ½ cup cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp sugar, vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the pastry (as above).
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Assemble and bake the pasties (as above). Reduce baking time slightly to avoid over-browning the fruit.
Remember to adjust baking times based on your oven and the thickness of your pasties. Experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own unique pasty masterpieces! Enjoy!
