Steak And Kidney Pie Recipe: A Hearty British Classic
Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the heartiness and warmth of a traditional steak and kidney pie. This classic British dish has been a staple of home cooking for generations, and it's not hard to see why. With its rich, flavorful filling of tender beef, savory kidney, and aromatic herbs, all encased in a crisp, buttery pastry shell, this pie is the ultimate indulgence on a cold, rainy day. In this blog post, we'll be sharing our favorite recipe for steak and kidney pie, along with step-by-step instructions and nutrition information. So grab your apron and let's get cooking!Ingredients
To make a delicious steak and kidney pie, you'll need the following ingredients:- 1 lb. beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb. beef kidney, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 egg, beaten
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to making steak and kidney pie, choosing the right cuts of meat is crucial. For the beef, you'll want to use a tough, flavorful cut that can stand up to long, slow cooking. Chuck roast or stewing beef are both good options. As for the kidney, beef kidney is the most traditional choice, but lamb or pork kidney can also be used. Be sure to trim away any tough, fatty bits before adding it to the filling.Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious steak and kidney pie:- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the beef and kidney with the flour until well coated.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef and kidney to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it's large enough to cover the top of the pot.
- Place the pastry over the pot, pressing the edges down to seal.
- Brush the beaten egg over the top of the pastry.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Return the pot to the oven and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Steak and kidney pie is a complete meal in itself, but it's always nice to have some accompaniments to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or green beans
- A simple green salad
- A pint of your favorite beer
Nutrition
As you might expect, steak and kidney pie is not exactly a low-calorie dish. However, it does provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Here's the nutrition information for one serving of our steak and kidney pie recipe (assuming 6 servings per pie):- Calories: 580
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Adjusting the Recipe
If you're looking to make a healthier version of steak and kidney pie, there are a few adjustments you can make. Here are some ideas:- Use leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin or round steak, and skip the kidney altogether.
- Replace the puff pastry with a lighter, whole-grain crust made with olive oil or yogurt.
- Add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery, to bulk up the filling and add more nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of butter and flour used to thicken the sauce.