Game Pie

Traditional Game Pie Recipe from England - Delicious & Hearty

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Game pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to medieval times. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal. This recipe combines tender game birds with a rich mushroom and onion sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.

History

Game pie has a long history in British cuisine, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, game pie was made with a variety of wild game meats, such as venison, rabbit, and pheasant. The dish was often served at banquets and feasts, showcasing the wealth and status of the host.

Ingredients

2-4 Game birds (pheasant, grouse, partridge, woodpigeon) - according to size
1 bouquet garni
stock or water
1 large onion, chopped
250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
60 g (2 oz) butter
1 rounded tablespoon plain flour
6 – 8 rashers bacon (optional)
3 – 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
salt
pepper
parsley
Puff or shortcrust pastry
Beaten egg for glazing

How to prepare

Place the birds in a pan along with the bouquet garni. Cover them with stock or water, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the birds, covered, until the meat starts to separate from the bone and can be easily removed. Cut the meat into large pieces and arrange them in a pie dish.
Lightly brown the onion and mushrooms in butter. They should have a golden color, not deep brown. Stir in the flour and enough stock to create a rich, fairly thick sauce.
While the sauce simmers, cut the rashers into small pieces for rolls. Lightly grill the rolls and arrange them around the meat, along with the pieces of hard-boiled egg.
Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Pour the onion and mushroom sauce over the meat, filling the pie dish almost to the top.
Cover the dish with puff or shortcrust pastry, following the usual method. (Puff pastry is traditionally used, but some prefer a good shortcrust pastry with meat.)
Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake at 220°C / 425°F / Gas mark 7 for 30 minutes.
Once the pastry has risen and turned golden brown, you can lower the heat if using puff pastry (or if using puff and shortcrust pastry).

Variations

Add diced carrots and celery to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use a mix of different game meats, such as venison, rabbit, and pheasant, for a more complex flavor profile.
Top the pie with a lattice crust for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the game birds until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.

- Browning the onions and mushrooms before adding them to the sauce will enhance their flavor.

- Brushing the pastry with beaten egg before baking will give it a beautiful golden color.

- Serve the game pie hot with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the game pie with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the game birds until tender before adding them to the pie dish.

- Brown the onions and mushrooms before adding them to the sauce for a richer flavor.

- Brush the pastry with beaten egg before baking for a golden finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or turkey as a substitute for game birds if they are not available.

- Use store-bought puff pastry or shortcrust pastry for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

The game pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the game pie on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the game pie with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover game pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of game pie contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of game pie contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of game pie contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of game pie contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Game pie is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pastry and eggs.

Summary

Game pie is a rich and hearty dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Game pie is a classic British dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal. This recipe combines tender game birds with a rich mushroom and onion sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down from generation to generation in my family. The page was yellowed and fragile, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients. The recipe was for a Game Pie, a dish I had never heard of before.

I had always been intrigued by the idea of cooking game meat. Growing up, my family had always hunted and fished for our food, so the thought of making a pie out of wild game seemed like a natural progression. As I read through the recipe, I could almost taste the rich flavors of venison, rabbit, and pheasant melding together in a savory pastry crust.

I knew that I had to make this pie, but there was one problem - I didn't have access to any game meat. Luckily, a friend of mine who lived out in the countryside offered to take me hunting with him. I had never hunted before, but I was determined to gather the ingredients for this pie.

As we trekked through the woods, I marveled at the beauty of nature around me. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, the thrill of the hunt - it was all so exhilarating. And when I finally bagged my first pheasant, I felt a sense of pride unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

Back at my friend's house, I set to work on preparing the meat for the pie. I carefully plucked the feathers, gutted the bird, and cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. As I seasoned the meat with herbs and spices, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I was truly living off the land, just like my ancestors had done for centuries.

The next step was to prepare the pastry crust. I mixed flour, butter, and water together, kneading the dough until it was smooth and elastic. As I rolled out the dough and lined the pie tin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I remembered my grandmother teaching me how to make pies when I was just a little girl, her hands guiding mine as we worked together in the kitchen.

Finally, it was time to assemble the pie. I layered the game meat with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, creating a hearty filling that promised to be bursting with flavor. I sealed the pie with a top crust, crimping the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern. As I brushed the top with egg wash and placed it in the oven to bake, the enticing aroma of the pie wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer dinged, I carefully removed the pie from the oven and set it on the counter to cool. The golden crust gleamed in the soft light, and I couldn't wait to dig in. As I sliced into the pie and took my first bite, I was transported back in time to a simpler era, where food was a labor of love and a connection to the land.

The Game Pie was a hit with my family and friends, who marveled at the rich flavors and tender meat. They couldn't believe that I had hunted and prepared the game myself, and they begged me to make it again. And so, the recipe for Game Pie became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again, passing down the tradition to future generations.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe for Game Pie, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into the cook that I am today. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and connect with my heritage. And with each bite of that savory, delectable pie, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.