Cornish Pasty

  • Total time - 80 minutes
  • Prep time - 20 minutes
  • Cook time - 60 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Great Britain
Two baked Cornish Pasties on a wooden board. They are golden-brown, D-shaped, with the characteristic crimped edge and a small hole on top for steam to escape.

The Cornish Pasty is more than just a food – it's a piece of history. It was originally designed for miners to take a complete meal underground. The thick crimped crust served as a handle, which was discarded after eating to avoid consuming dirt from their hands. Today, it's a beloved treat to be enjoyed anywhere.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cornish Pasty

  • 450 g plain flour
  • 100 g cold butter, cubed
  • 50 g beef suet
  • 150 ml cold water
  • 400 g diced beef (e.g., skirt steak), cut into small cubes
  • 150 g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
  • 100 g swede (rutabaga), peeled and diced
  • 1 pc onion, finely chopped
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Making the Pastry

In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, butter, and suet. Rub them into the flour with your fingertips until you have a coarse crumb. Gradually add the cold water and knead until you form a smooth, non-sticky dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

In a bowl, combine the diced beef, potatoes, swede, and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. It's important to use a lot of seasoning, as the flavor will mellow during baking. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Shaping and Filling

Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a circle about 20-25 cm in diameter. Place a quarter of the filling onto one half of each circle. Moisten the pastry edges with water, fold the pastry over, and shape a semi-circle. Firmly crimp the edge on the side to create the characteristic fluted seal. Make a small hole on the top of the pasty for steam to escape.

Step 4: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the pastry is golden-brown and the filling inside is tender and hot. Serve immediately, ideally on its own.