Steak and Ale Pie
**Ingredients:**
*For the filling:*
– 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
– 1 cup (240ml) ale or stout
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup (150g) frozen peas (optional)
*For the pastry:*
– 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**For the mashed potatoes:**
– 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and diced
– ¼ cup (60ml) milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
– In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the beef broth, ale, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return the beef to the pan.
– Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir in the peas if using. Let the filling cool slightly.
2. **Make the Pastry:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add a little cold water (1-2 tbsp at a time) and mix until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water.
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. **Assemble the Pie:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface and line a pie dish with it. Trim any excess dough.
– Fill the pie with the beef mixture.
– Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
– Brush the top with the beaten egg.
4. **Bake:**
– Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
5. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:**
– Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
– Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. **Serve:**
– Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Serve with a generous helping of mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your steak and ale pie with creamy mashed potatoes!
