Traditional Homemade Cornish Pasties Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1 lb lean beef, cut into cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup rutabaga or turnip, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add in the cold water gradually, stirring until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the cubed beef, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced potatoes, and diced rutabaga or turnip. Season with the black pepper and mix well.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
After the dough has chilled, divide it into 6 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
Divide the filling evenly among the circles of dough, placing it on one half of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush each pasty with the beaten egg to give it a golden color when baked.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pasties are golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the flour, butter, and water for the dough.
Plastic Wrap - To wrap the dough and refrigerate it.
Large Bowl - A bowl to mix the beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, rutabaga or turnip, and black pepper for the filling.
Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper to bake the pasties.
Rolling Pin - A tool to roll out the dough into circles.
Pastry Brush - A brush to apply the beaten egg wash on top of the pasties before baking.

Recipe variations

Use a whole wheat flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
Try using puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch.
Experiment with different fillings such as chicken, pork, or lamb.
Add herbs and spices to the filling for extra flavor, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Include additional vegetables in the filling, like peas, corn, or bell peppers.
Make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
For a vegan option, use vegan butter or margarine in the crust and replace the meat and egg wash with plant-based alternatives.
Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere, to the filling for a cheesy twist.
Make mini pasties instead of large ones for bite-sized appetizers or party snacks.
Serve the pasties with a dipping sauce or gravy on the side, like tomato ketchup or mushroom gravy.

Recipe overview

This traditional pasties recipe is your ticket to a hearty, mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any time of the day. Originating from Cornwall, England, pasties are savory pies filled with beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga or turnip, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. Expect to get your hands a bit dirty when preparing the pastry dough and the meaty-vegetable filling. The process is quite easy and straightforward, and the best part is, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later. Once baked, the pasties will have a beautiful golden brown color and a delicious, comforting filling. Whether you're making it for lunch, dinner, or a midday snack, pasties are always a good idea. Enjoy it with a side salad or on its own - either way, it's a meal that never disappoints. Happy cooking!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Yes, you can substitute the beef with another lean meat of your choice, such as chicken or pork.
Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
Can I freeze the pasties? Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can store the pasties in an airtight container or freezer bags in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Of course! Feel free to add additional vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to customize the filling to your liking.
Can I make mini-sized pasties? Yes, you can adjust the size of the pasties by rolling out smaller circles of dough and reducing the amount of filling in each one.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough for the pasties.
Baking sheet - Used to place the pasties on for baking in the oven.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the pasties from sticking.
Knife - Used for chopping and dicing the ingredients for the filling.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine the flour, butter, and water for the dough, as well as for mixing the filling ingredients.
Plastic wrap - Used to wrap the dough and refrigerate it for chilling.
Pastry brush - Used to brush the beaten egg onto the pasties for a golden color.

Origin stories

Pasties trace their origins back to the 13th century in England, making their mark in the culinary world as a staple for Cornish miners. Miners couldn't afford to lose precious time returning home for lunch, so their wives began baking these hearty, handheld pies for them to easily carry and eat during their break. The crimped edge of the pasty served a practical purpose - miners with dirty, possibly arsenic-touched hands, would hold onto the crimped crust, eat the rest, and throw away the soiled edge, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning. This portable and hearty meal became so popular that it is now regarded as a symbol of Cornwall. It's said that a proper Cornish pasty should be able to survive a drop down a mine shaft - now that's a rugged meal!

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.