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.