Mary Berry’s Cornish Pasty Recipe [A Classic British Treat]

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mary berry cornish pasty
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Are you searching for a way to bring traditional British charm to your dining table? Look no further

Mary Berry’s Cornish Pasty Recipe is the answer—a culinary masterpiece that combines flaky pastry with a hearty, flavorful filling.

Imagine the aroma of fresh-baked pasties filling your kitchen, each bite a perfect harmony of texture and taste. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Start your journey to mastering this classic dish today. Scroll down for the recipe that will soon become a beloved staple in your home.

Ingredients for the Pastry:

  • 500g (1lb, 1oz) strong bread flour
  • 120g (4oz) white shortening (semi-solid blended fats and oils)
  • 5g (1tsp) salt
  • 25g (1oz) margarine or butter
  • 175ml (6fl oz) cold water
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten with a little salt

Ingredients for the Filling:

  • 350g (12oz) good quality beef skirt, rump steak, or braising steak
  • 350g (12oz) waxy potato
  • 200g (7oz) swede (rutabaga)
  • 175g (6oz) onion
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Knob of butter or margarine

Equipment You’ll Need:

  • Scales
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cling film
  • Baking tray
  • Spoon
  • Baking parchment or silicone paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Fork
  • Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Stage One: Prepare the Pastry

  1. Weigh Out Ingredients: Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening, salt, margarine (or butter), and water.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Use a spoon to mix gently, then your hands to bring everything into a dry dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Place the dough on a clean work surface and knead vigorously for about 5 minutes. Use the heel of your hand to stretch and roll the dough until smooth and glossy.
  4. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

Stage Two: Prepare the Filling

  1. Chop Ingredients: While the dough is resting, peel and dice the potato, swede, and onion into 1cm cubes. Cut the beef into similar-sized chunks.
  2. Mix Filling: Combine the diced ingredients in a bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Stage Three: Assemble the Pasties

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan-assisted)/325°F/gas mark 3. Lightly grease and line a baking tray.
  2. Divide Dough: Once rested, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a disk roughly 25cm (10 inches) wide.
  3. Add Filling: Place a quarter of the filling on one half of each disk. Add a knob of butter or margarine on top of the filling.
  4. Seal the Pasties: Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork or twist along the edge for a traditional look.
  5. Brush and Bake: Place the pasties on the baking tray. Brush the tops with the beaten egg mixture. Bake on the middle shelf for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. If needed, increase the oven temperature by 10°C for the last 10 minutes to achieve a perfect golden finish.

Top Tips:

  • This recipe creates a tight, non-sticky dough. No additional flour or oil is needed for rolling out.
  • Leftover pasties can be wrapped in cling film and refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Why Mary Berry’s Cornish Pasty?

Mary Berry’s Cornish Pasty Recipe combines the authenticity of British cuisine with foolproof techniques. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, these pasties are ideal for lunches, dinners, or snacks. They’re hearty, flavorful, and satisfying—a true taste of Cornwall.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I freeze Cornish pasties?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked pasties. Wrap them tightly in cling film and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I use different fillings?

Absolutely! While the traditional filling is beef, potato, swede, and onion, feel free to experiment with chicken, vegetables, or even cheese and onion for a vegetarian option.

3. How do I prevent the pastry from cracking?

Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and rested. Work gently when rolling and assembling to avoid over-stretching the pastry.

Conclusion

Try Mary Berry’s Cornish Pasty Recipe today and experience a slice of British tradition. With its flaky pastry and savory filling, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Share your creations with friends and family, and enjoy the comfort of homemade Cornish pasties!