Pies are an obsession for us Brits; we eat almost seven million of them every week. It's hardly surprising, then, that we celebrate British Pie Weekevery year!
Here because of The Apprentice? You might be looking for Turner's Prestige Pies! But if you don't want to fork out for a pre-made pie, we suggest checking out our recipes below!
Around £1 billion is spent on pies in the UK every year, with £145 million of that being on pork pies alone. 75% of Britons say they enjoy a pie at least once a month.
More than that, pies have an interesting history. The earliest reference to a pie as food was in 1301. Until the 16th century, pies contained meat or fish - we did not have fruit pies until Tudor times. The crust was originally designed just for cooking, and the humble pie was generally given to the poor, and not eaten by the rich.
The pasty came along at roughly the same time. Its history goes back to the 13th century as a food of the rich - generally filled with venison, beef, lamb, or eels. It became a food of miners and farm workers in Cornwall in the 17th and 18th centuries, one end filled with a savoury filling, the other end with a sweet fruit filling.
If you want a great pie you'll need to start with great cookware! Shop Prestige non-stick ovenware for fantastic quality oven trays, roasters and pie tins.
Here are our top ten favourite classic pasties and pies. If you try baking one, don't forget to share the results with us on Instagram!
1. The Pork Pie
The dish which made Melton Mowbray famous, and a top favourite for a picnic or a Ploughman's Lunch. We've got two favourite recipes to share with you today.
Firstly, this raised pork pie recipe from the BBC, which should be made in a non-stick springform cake tin!
Or, if you prefer your pork pies bite size, Paul Hollywood shares his recipe for pork pies with apple chutney, made in a 12 cup non-stick muffin tin.
2. Shepherd's pie
Britain's most-cooked pie at home, and a perennial classic. This pie made with lamb mince (a pie made with beef mince is a cottage pie!) and topped with mashed potato is a comfort food classic and beloved dinner of families everywhere. Try our recipe for Shepherd's Pie.
You will want a nice non-stick roasting tray for this pie!
3. Steak and Ale Pie
With or without mushrooms, the classic steak & ale pie is a tea-time treat. We love this recipe with button mushrooms from the Hairy Bikers! You'll want a good quality casserole dish to cook the filling, because the secret to a great Steak & Ale pie is a patient approach to simmering your stewing steak until tender.
4. Beef and onion pasty
We love a good pasty, and consider it a year-round staple! See our family-friendly recipe here. Brilliant for when you want a hot lunch on-the-go, and it's also a fun recipe to get the kids involved with! All you will need for this pasty is a non-stick baking tray.Enjoy the savoury flavors and convenience of this classic British treat.
5. Mince pie
A Christmas tradition etched deeply into the fabric of British festivities, the humble mince pie holds a special place in our hearts. It simply wouldn't be Christmas without them!
We love Delia's traditional recipe for mince pies, which truly capture the spirit of the season. Make them in a 12 cup muffin tray for the perfect pie!
6. Fish Pie
A great combination of white and smoked fish under a creamy mash topping, a family favourite and a great Fish Friday recipe! Using frozen fish pie mix can help make this a budget-friendly recipe too. Here's our version - give it a try and let us know what you think!
7. Traditional Apple Pie
A British classic that celebrates the harvest of seasonal apples!Try our recipe for this tasty pudding- whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a dollop of velvety vanilla custard or a scoop of creamy ice cream, this apple pie captures the essence of comfort and nostalgia.
8. Game Pie
If you like to venture a little further afield, a game pie can contain venison, partridge, pheasant, and rabbit.With its roots deeply embedded in British gastronomy, a game pie offers a unique and exciting twist to your dining experience.Spruce Eats share a British Game Pie recipe that features your favourite game meat and will leave a lasting impression.
9. Cheese and Onion Pasty
Pies aren't just for meat-eaters! Try this recipe for a cheese & onion pasty with some added leek for extra crunch.It's a delicious vegetarian option that's easy to make and the flavours meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this cheese and onion pasty showcases the versatility of British pasties!
10. Stargazey Pie
Stargazey Pie is a beloved British classic hailing from the West Country. This delightful dish features herrings nestled in a rich shortcrust pastry. The name comes from the unique way the fish heads are positioned, peering out from the pie as if they are gazing up at the stars.
Rick Stein has a delicious take on this pie! Stargazey Pie holds a special place in British culinary heritage and is traditionally enjoyed on the 23rd of December every year.
Share your favourite pie with us!
Follow us at @YourPrestigeKitchen and let us know your favourite pie, whether that's your grandma's traditional recipe for cottage pie or a trendy take ona harissa chicken fusion pie!
