The Hairy Bikers Homity Pie is a classic British dish that blends comforting flavors of potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. This hearty vegetarian pie is both simple and satisfying, making it perfect for a family meal or a cozy evening. Known for its humble ingredients and rich flavors, Homity Pie is a traditional favorite that has been passed down through generations.
What is Hairy Bikers Homity Pie?
Hairy Bikers’ Homity Pie is a traditional British pie made with a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a delicious mixture of potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese. This vegetarian pie is baked until golden and crisp, and the filling is creamy and packed with flavor. It’s a comforting dish that’s great for lunch, dinner, or as part of a picnic spread.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, hearty, and perfect for colder days.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Packed with flavor and satisfying for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic, affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy lunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour: 200g (7 oz), for the pastry base.
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), cold and cubed, for a rich, flaky crust.
- Cold water: 2-3 tablespoons, to bring the dough together.
- Pinch of salt: To enhance the pastry’s flavor.
For the Filling:
- Potatoes: 500g (17 oz), peeled and cut into chunks, for the creamy filling.
- Onions: 2 medium, thinly sliced, for sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for a subtle aromatic taste.
- Butter: 50g (2 oz), for frying the onions and garlic.
- Double cream: 100ml (3.5 oz), to add richness to the filling.
- Cheddar cheese: 150g (5 oz), grated, for a sharp, cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the pastry.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry dough.
- Pie dish: A 9-inch dish for baking the pie.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Frying pan: For cooking the onions and garlic.
- Spatula: For stirring and spreading the filling.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
1. Make the Pastry
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and salt using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Form the Dough: Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Gather it into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a saucepan of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mash the Potatoes: Lightly mash the boiled potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the cooked onions, double cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
- Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to fit the bottom and sides of your pie dish. Line the pie dish with the pastry, trimming off any excess.
- Fill the Pie: Spoon the potato filling into the pastry shell, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake the Pie
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
- Green salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
- Pickles: Serve with pickled vegetables for a sharp, acidic balance.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds texture and crunch alongside the soft filling.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
- Tomato chutney: A dollop of tomato chutney adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory pie.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
- Chill the pastry: Make sure your pastry dough is well-chilled before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t overboil the potatoes: Keep the potatoes slightly firm to avoid a mushy filling.
- Season well: Be generous with the salt and pepper in the filling to bring out the flavors of the simple ingredients.
- Use mature cheddar: For a more intense flavor, use a sharp, mature cheddar cheese.
- Let it rest: Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting to let the filling set.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
- Add leeks: Swap the onions for sautéed leeks to add a subtle, sweet flavor to the filling.
- Bacon twist: For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked bacon pieces to the filling for extra richness.
- Sweet potato version: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutritious option.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pastry suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Extra veggies: Add peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Homity Pie
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The pie can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers’ Homity Pie
- Oven: Reheat the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, though the pastry may lose some crispness.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Homity Pie Healthier?
- Use sweet potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for added fiber and nutrients.
- Lighten the pastry: Use less butter in the pastry or substitute some with a low-fat spread.
- Add more veggies: Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach, peas, or cauliflower.
- Use a lighter cheese: Opt for a reduced-fat cheddar to cut down on calories.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I freeze Homity Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Homity Pie either before or after baking. Wrap the pie tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy pastry, blind bake the pastry crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a firm base for the filling and prevents moisture from seeping into the crust.
What cheese is best for Homity Pie?
A sharp, mature cheddar cheese is ideal for Homity Pie as it adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy filling. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different taste.
Can I make Homity Pie without cream?
Yes, you can make Homity Pie without cream. You can replace the cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk for a lighter version of the pie.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Homity Pie is a traditional and comforting dish that showcases simple ingredients at their best. With its flaky pastry and creamy, cheesy filling, this pie is perfect for cozy family dinners, picnics, or even as part of a buffet spread. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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- Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
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- Mary Berry Fruit Cake Loaf
- Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread
Hairy Bikers Homity Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Homity Pie is a traditional British pie made with a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a delicious mixture of potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese. This vegetarian pie is baked until golden and crisp, and the filling is creamy and packed with flavor. It’s a comforting dish that’s great for lunch, dinner, or as part of a picnic spread.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour: 200g (7 oz), for the pastry base.
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), cold and cubed, for a rich, flaky crust.
- Cold water: 2-3 tablespoons, to bring the dough together.
- Pinch of salt: To enhance the pastry’s flavor.
For the Filling:
- Potatoes: 500g (17 oz), peeled and cut into chunks, for the creamy filling.
- Onions: 2 medium, thinly sliced, for sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for a subtle aromatic taste.
- Butter: 50g (2 oz), for frying the onions and garlic.
- Double cream: 100ml (3.5 oz), to add richness to the filling.
- Cheddar cheese: 150g (5 oz), grated, for a sharp, cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
1. Make the Pastry
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and salt using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Form the Dough: Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Gather it into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a saucepan of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mash the Potatoes: Lightly mash the boiled potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the cooked onions, double cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
- Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to fit the bottom and sides of your pie dish. Line the pie dish with the pastry, trimming off any excess.
- Fill the Pie: Spoon the potato filling into the pastry shell, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake the Pie
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
