Description
Kerry Pie is a traditional Irish savory pie featuring a flavorful ground beef filling combined with vegetables and herbs, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. This comforting main course is perfect for a hearty meal and showcases classic Irish flavors with a rich filling simmered to perfection and baked to a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the Kerry Pie.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the frozen peas, diced carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes to prevent sogginess when baked.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it to fit individual pie dishes or a single pie pan.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the cooled beef mixture into the pastry-lined dishes. Cover with remaining pastry, seal the edges well, and brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Vent the Pie: Cut small slits into the top pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the pie(s) in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving to allow filling to set and to enjoy safely.
Notes
- For variation, substitute ground lamb or chicken in place of beef.
- Add diced potatoes or mushrooms to the filling for a heartier pie.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in the oven to maintain pastry crispness.
