Cornish pasty

Try the Hairy Biker's recipe for a classic pasty - these are great to make ahead for a party or picnic.

Cornish pasty

Info

Serves
Makes 1 large pasty
Prep time
1 to 2 hours
Cooking time
30 minutes to 1 hour

Ingredients

For the pasty

  • 225g / 1/2lb plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 60g / 2oz unsalted butter
  • 1 free-range egg, yolk only
  • 60ml / 2.5fl oz water
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten, for glazing

For the filling

  • 50g / 2oz swede, finely chopped
  • 150g / 5.5oz potato, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 50g / 2oz onion, finely chopped
  • 100g / 3.5oz rib-eye steak, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. For the pastry, pulse the flour, baking powder, salt, butter and egg yolk in a food processor until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

  2. Gradually add the water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the mixture just comes together as a dough. (You may not need to use all the water.) Roll the dough into a ball, then wrap it in cling film and chill in the fridge for an hour.

  3. Meanwhile, for the filling, bring a pan of salted, boiling water to the boil. Add the chopped swede and potato and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender, then drain well, refresh in cold water and set aside.

  4. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

  5. Roll the chilled pastry out onto a clean, floured work surface. Cut a large disc from the pastry using a dinner plate as a template. Place the onions in a line down the middle of the pastry disc. Spoon the chopped steak on top, then spoon the cooked potato and swede over it. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  6. Brush the edge of the pastry disc with some of the beaten egg. Draw the edges of the pastry together and crimp them with your fingers to seal so that the seal sits on top of the filling. Using a knife, make a small hole in the top of the pasty and brush all over with the remaining beaten egg.

  7. Place the pasty onto a baking tray and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden-brown.