Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie

Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie Recipe - Traditional and Delicious

Region / culture: Mennonites | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that has been passed down through generations. This traditional recipe features tender stewing beef, potatoes, and a flavorful broth topped with squares of homemade dough. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

History

This recipe has its roots in Mennonite cuisine, which is known for its simple and wholesome dishes. Mennonites are a religious group with a strong emphasis on community and tradition, and their food reflects these values. Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie is a classic Mennonite dish that has been enjoyed for many years.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) stewing beef
6 cups water
1.5 tsp salt
6 medium-sized potatoes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3 tbsp milk or water
1 tsp minced onion
1 tsp minced parsley

How to prepare

Cook the meat in salted water until it becomes tender.
Remove the meat from the broth and add minced onion and parsley to the broth.
Bring the broth to a boil and add alternate layers of cubed potatoes and squares of dough.
To make the dough, beat an egg and add milk.
Add flour to the mixture to create a stiff dough.
Roll out the dough until it is paper thin and cut it into 1 inch squares.
Keep the broth boiling while adding the dough squares to prevent them from sticking together.
Cover and cook for 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
Finally, add the meat and stir it into the pot pie.

Variations

For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the pot pie filling.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the meat until it is tender to ensure a flavorful and tender pot pie.

- Rolling out the dough until it is paper thin will result in light and flaky squares.

- Adding minced onion and parsley to the broth will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Keep the broth boiling while adding the dough squares to prevent them from sticking together.

- Stir the meat into the pot pie at the end to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the meat until tender and rolling out the dough until paper thin are key techniques for making this dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have stewing beef, you can use another cut of beef such as chuck roast or sirloin.

- You can also use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own dough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble the pot pie just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pot pie in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold glass of milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family meal.

Summary

Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With tender beef, potatoes, and a flavorful broth topped with homemade dough, this traditional recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal with your loved ones for a taste of Mennonite tradition.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living on a farm in Pennsylvania. My mother had invited our neighbors, the Stoltzfus family, over for dinner one evening. Mrs. Stoltzfus was known for her delicious cooking, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

That evening, as I helped my mother prepare the meal, I watched Mrs. Stoltzfus carefully as she made the pot pie. She started by browning chunks of beef in a cast iron skillet, then added in onions, carrots, and potatoes. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply heavenly, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish.

As the evening went on, I asked Mrs. Stoltzfus if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She smiled warmly and said that she would be happy to teach me how to make the pot pie. Over the next few weeks, I spent many afternoons in Mrs. Stoltzfus's kitchen, learning the ins and outs of making the perfect Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie.

I watched as she seasoned the beef with salt, pepper, and a touch of thyme, then added in a splash of beef broth to create a rich gravy. She rolled out a simple pie crust and carefully placed it on top of the filling, sealing it with a fork before popping it into the oven to bake.

As the pot pie baked, Mrs. Stoltzfus shared stories with me about her own childhood and the recipes that had been passed down through generations of her family. It was a special time for me, learning not just how to make a delicious dish, but also about the history and traditions that went along with it.

When the pot pie was finally done, we sat down to enjoy a steaming slice together. The flavors were rich and comforting, the crust flaky and golden brown. It was a meal that warmed both our bellies and our hearts, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie many times, each time with a fondness for the memories of Mrs. Stoltzfus and the time we spent together in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing on not just the ingredients and techniques, but also the stories and traditions that make this dish so special.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that long-ago evening and the impact it had on my life, I am grateful for the gift of cooking and the connections it has brought me with others. The Mennonite Old-fashioned Beef Pot Pie will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and warmth that can be found in a simple meal shared with family and friends. And for that, I am truly thankful.