Cornish meat pasties

Cornish meat pasties are a traditional English dish originating from Cornwall. Here’s a recipe for making Cornish meat pasties:Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) beef steak, diced into small pieces
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 small turnips, peeled and diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter.
   • Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced beef, potato, onion, and turnip.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.
   • Mix the ingredients until well combined.
4. Assemble the Pasties:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
   • Using a round cutter or a small plate as a guide, cut out circles of dough, each about 6-8 inches in diameter.
   • Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edges.
   • Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
5. Fold and Seal:
   • Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
   • Press the edges together to seal the pasty. You can crimp the edges with a fork or fold them over to create a decorative edge.
6. Bake the Pasties:
   • Place the assembled pasties onto the prepared baking sheet.
   • Cut a small slit or poke a hole in the top of each pasty to allow steam to escape during baking.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
7. Serve:
   • Allow the pasties to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Cornish meat pasties are delicious served as a snack, lunch, or dinner. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile and satisfying meal option.