Biscuit-topped Pork Pie

Biscuit-topped Pork Pie Recipe - Rich Flavors of American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Biscuit-topped Pork Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that combines succulent pork cubes with a rich, creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and a golden biscuit topping. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering a delicious twist on traditional pie recipes. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation method, it's a dish that appeals to both novice and experienced cooks alike.

History

The concept of topping savory pies with biscuits has its roots in traditional British and American cuisine, where pies have long been a staple. The Biscuit-topped Pork Pie, in particular, is a modern take on these classic dishes, incorporating convenient ingredients like refrigerated biscuits and frozen vegetables to simplify the cooking process. This recipe reflects the evolution of home cooking, where ease and comfort are highly valued.

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops, cut into 0.75-inch cubes
1 tsp olive oil
1 jar (23 oz or 652 g) creamy mushroom cooking sauce for chicken
1 package (16 oz or 454 g) frozen peas, potatoes, carrots (New England blend)
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) chicken broth
1 can (4 oz or 113 g) sliced mushrooms, drained
1.5 tsp dried oregano
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 package (10.8 oz or 306 g) refrigerated large biscuits

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the pork cubes for 2–3 minutes.
Transfer the browned pork to a 5 qt (4.73 liter) casserole dish. Stir in the mushroom cooking sauce, frozen vegetables, chicken broth, mushrooms, oregano, and pepper.
Cover the casserole dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the casserole dish from the oven and uncover it. Arrange the biscuits on top of the mixture.
Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try substituting the pork with chicken or beef. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as peas, corn, or diced potatoes, to vary the taste and nutritional content.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the pork is tender and flavorful, brown it well before baking. This step adds depth to the dish's flavor. For the biscuits to cook evenly, arrange them on top of the casserole without overlapping. If you prefer a more golden biscuit top, you can brush them with a little melted butter before the final baking stage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Biscuit-topped Pork Pie with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pie. A dollop of cranberry sauce can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before baking is a crucial technique in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor of the pork. Baking the casserole covered allows the ingredients to cook thoroughly and meld their flavors, while finishing the bake uncovered ensures the biscuits become deliciously golden.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain biscuits, lean cuts of pork, and a low-fat creamy sauce. For a dairy-free version, choose a dairy-free creamy sauce and biscuits.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add the biscuits on top right before baking to ensure they remain fluffy and golden.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Biscuit-topped Pork Pie in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add color and enhance the flavors.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a fruity red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Biscuit-topped Pork Pie. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through. The biscuits may soften upon reheating, but the dish will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this comforting dish contains approximately 450 calories. The calories come from a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a fulfilling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Biscuit-topped Pork Pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The main sources of carbohydrates in this dish are the refrigerated biscuits and the vegetables. Opting for whole grain biscuits can increase the fiber content and offer a healthier option.

Fats

This dish contains about 20 grams of fat per serving, with the primary sources being the pork chops and the creamy chicken sauce. To reduce the fat content, you can choose lean pork cuts and look for a lower-fat version of the creamy chicken sauce.

Proteins

The Biscuit-topped Pork Pie is a good source of protein, providing about 25 grams per serving. The pork chops are the main protein source, making this dish a satisfying and muscle-building option for your meals.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables in the recipe. Carrots, for example, are high in vitamin A, while mushrooms provide selenium and B vitamins. The overall nutritional profile can be enhanced by incorporating more diverse vegetables.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (found in biscuits) and dairy (in the creamy chicken sauce). Individuals with allergies should look for suitable substitutions to accommodate their dietary needs.

Summary

The Biscuit-topped Pork Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a comforting meal that can be adjusted to meet various nutritional and dietary requirements.

Summary

The Biscuit-topped Pork Pie is a modern take on traditional savory pies, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners. With its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility, it's a recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Biscuit-topped Pork Pie. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Martha was known far and wide for her exceptional cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, as we sat in her sunlit kitchen sipping tea and reminiscing about old times, she pulled out an old, weathered cookbook from her shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and splatters of food stains, a true testament to the many years of use it had seen.

"Have you ever tried making a Biscuit-topped Pork Pie, my dear?" Martha asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the sound of such a delicious and hearty dish. "No, I haven't. But it sounds absolutely delightful. Would you mind showing me how to make it?"

Martha smiled warmly and began to walk me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail and sharing her tips and tricks for making the perfect pork pie. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise.

The recipe called for a tender pork filling, simmered in a rich gravy with onions, carrots, and peas. The scent of the savory mixture wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Martha then showed me how to prepare the biscuit dough, light and fluffy with just the right amount of buttery goodness.

After assembling the pie in a deep dish and topping it with the biscuit dough, Martha slid it into the oven to bake. As we waited for the pie to cook, we chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the delicious aroma filling the kitchen.

When the timer finally beeped, Martha carefully removed the pie from the oven, the golden crust glistening in the light. My stomach rumbled in anticipation as she sliced into the pie, revealing the steaming hot filling inside.

We each took a bite of the Biscuit-topped Pork Pie, savoring the tender pork and flaky biscuit with every mouthful. It was a symphony of flavors and textures, a true masterpiece of comfort food.

As we sat at the table, enjoying our meal and the satisfaction of a job well done, Martha shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family favorite, a dish that brought warmth and joy to their home on many occasions.

I felt honored to have been a part of this culinary tradition, to have learned from Martha the art of making a Biscuit-topped Pork Pie. It was a recipe that I knew I would cherish and pass on to my own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions of our own.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing the same recipe for my family, I can't help but think back to that sunny day with Martha and the joy of discovering a new culinary treasure. Cooking truly is a gift that keeps on giving, a way to connect with the past and create lasting memories for the future. And for that, I am eternally grateful.