Humble Pie: A Classic British Delight Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g beef steak, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 package of ready-made shortcrust pastry
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions become translucent.
  4. Add the cubed beef steak to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
  5. Add the chopped carrots to the pan and stir well.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper, then let the mixture cook for about 20 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.
  9. While the filling is cooking, roll out the shortcrust pastry to fit your pie dish.
  10. Place the rolled out pastry in the bottom of your pie dish, leaving enough to cover the top of the pie.
  11. Once the filling has cooked, pour it into the pastry-lined pie dish.
  12. Cover the pie with the remaining pastry, crimping the edges to seal.
  13. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
  15. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to cook the filling.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the pastry for the pie crust.
  • Pie dish - A dish to hold the pie filling and crust.
  • Basting brush - Used to brush the beaten egg on top of the pie crust.
  • Knife - For chopping onions, garlic, and carrots, as well as cubing the beef steak.
  • Spatula - A utensil to stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the salt, black pepper, and flour accurately.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the humble pie.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of crust, such as puff pastry or whole wheat pastry.
  • Try using a different type of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with mushrooms, tofu, or a meat substitute.
  • Add additional vegetables to the filling, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and herbs, like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the crust.
  • Add cheese to the filling, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese, for extra flavor.
  • Make mini individual pies by using a muffin tin instead of a large pie dish.
  • Create a sweet version by adding fruits like apples, berries, or peaches to the filling, and sprinkling it with sugar and cinnamon.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling.

Recipe overview

Humble pie is a classic, hearty dish that's perfect for those chilly evenings when you're craving something comforting and filling. This recipe features cubed beef steak, onions, garlic, and carrots, all enveloped in a rich, savory broth, and encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry. The dish is then baked until golden brown, resulting in a pie that's both tender and full of flavor. Despite its rustic simplicity, humble pie is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Expect a cooking process that's as rewarding as the end result - a beautiful pie that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Be ready to enjoy a tasty adventure that marries various textures and flavors in one delicious package.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different type of meat such as chicken or turkey if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make the pastry from scratch instead of using ready-made? Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pastry, you can use your favorite shortcrust pastry recipe instead of using ready-made.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or potatoes to the filling according to your preference.
  4. Can I make this pie in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance, assemble it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from chilled.
  5. Can I freeze the pie? Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.
  6. What can I serve with humble pie? Humble pie pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Humble pie, despite its name, has a royal connection. It originated in medieval England, during a time when venison was a popular choice of meat for the nobility. The phrase "eating humble pie" is derived from "umble pie," a dish consumed by the lower classes. The "umbles" were the innards or less appetizing parts of the deer such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, which the servants would receive after the lords had taken the prime cuts of meat. These parts were then baked into a pie, hence giving birth to the term "umble pie." Over time, "umble" became "humble" and the phrase evolved to mean acknowledging one's mistakes. It's a culinary tale that reminds us of how language, food and culture are inextricably linked.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.