Mary Berry’s Homity Pie is a comforting and hearty dish rooted in traditional British cooking. This open-faced pie is filled with a creamy potato, onion, and cheese mixture, encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.
What is Mary Berry’s Homity Pie?
Mary Berry’s Homity Pie is a rustic vegetarian pie made with a buttery pastry crust and a filling of tender potatoes, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. Seasoned with herbs and cream, this classic pie is both comforting and flavorful, making it a timeless favorite in British cuisine.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for vegetarians or as a meat-free option.
- Great for Any Meal: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy dish.
- Freezer-Friendly: Can be prepared ahead and frozen.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Homity Pie
For the Pastry
- 225g (1 3/4 cups) Plain Flour: Forms the base of the crust.
- 100g (7 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed): Creates a flaky texture.
- 2-3 tbsp Cold Water: To bind the dough.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pastry.
For the Filling
- 500g (1 lb) Potatoes (peeled and diced): Forms the main base of the filling.
- 1 Large Onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp Butter: For sautéing the onions.
- 100ml (1/2 cup) Double Cream: Adds richness to the filling.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme): Adds a subtle herbal flavor.
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) Grated Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy, savory element.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For Topping
- 25g (1/4 cup) Breadcrumbs: Adds crunch to the top of the pie.
- 25g (1/4 cup) Grated Cheddar Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust.
Equipment Needed
- Pie Dish (8-inch): For baking the pie.
- Mixing Bowls: These are used to prepare the pastry and fill it.
- Rolling Pin: This is used to roll out the pastry.
- Saucepan: For cooking the potatoes.
- Skillet: For sautéing the onions.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Homity Pie
Step 1. Make the Pastry
- In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the plain flour and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Filling
- Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked potatoes, double cream, thyme, and half of the grated cheese to the skillet. Mix gently and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 4. Roll Out the Pastry
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to fit your 8-inch pie dish.
- Line the dish with the pastry, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing.
Step 5. Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the potato and onion filling into the pastry case, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the breadcrumbs and the remaining grated cheese for a crunchy, cheesy topping.
Step 6. Bake the Pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the topping is bubbling.
Step 7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
What Goes Well with Homity Pie
- Green Salad: Adds freshness and balances the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or peas pair well.
- Pickles or Chutney: Adds a tangy contrast.
- Soup: A light vegetable or tomato soup complements the pie.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Homity Pie
- Keep the Butter Cold: Ensures a flaky pastry crust.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle lightly for a tender texture.
- Use Waxy Potatoes: They hold their shape better in the filling.
- Season Generously: Potatoes and cream benefit from ample seasoning.
- Let the Pie Rest: Cooling slightly before slicing helps the filling set.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Homity Pie
- Add Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for extra flavor.
- Incorporate Leeks: Replace onions with leeks for a milder taste.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.
- Use Vegan Alternatives: Swap cream and cheese with plant-based options and use vegan butter for the pastry.
- Top with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
Best Practices to Store Homity Pie
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Wrap portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the Oven: Warm at 180°C (350°F) until heated through for the best texture.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQs
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Homity Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it with cling film, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can Homity Pie Be Frozen?
Homity pie freezes well. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
What Type of Potatoes Work Best for Homity Pie?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Charlotte are ideal for homity pie. They hold their shape during cooking and create a creamy texture in the filling without becoming mushy.
How Can I Make Homity Pie Vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter for the pastry, substitute double cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or oat cream, and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese substitute. The result will still be creamy and flavorful!
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Homity Pie is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for cozy meals or casual gatherings. With its flaky crust and creamy, cheesy filling, this vegetarian classic is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy it warm or cold, and savor the timeless flavors of this British favorite!
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- Mary Berry Cauliflower Steaks
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- Mary Berry Christmas Gravy
- Delia Smith Christmas Turkey Gravy
Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Homity Pie is a rustic vegetarian pie made with a buttery pastry crust and a filling of tender potatoes, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. Seasoned with herbs and cream, this classic pie is both comforting and flavorful, making it a timeless favorite in British cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 225g (1 3/4 cups) Plain Flour: Forms the base of the crust.
- 100g (7 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed): Creates a flaky texture.
- 2–3 tbsp Cold Water: To bind the dough.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pastry.
For the Filling
- 500g (1 lb) Potatoes (peeled and diced): Forms the main base of the filling.
- 1 Large Onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp Butter: For sautéing the onions.
- 100ml (1/2 cup) Double Cream: Adds richness to the filling.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme): Adds a subtle herbal flavor.
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) Grated Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy, savory element.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For Topping
- 25g (1/4 cup) Breadcrumbs: Adds crunch to the top of the pie.
- 25g (1/4 cup) Grated Cheddar Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust.
Instructions
Step 1. Make the Pastry
- In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the plain flour and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Filling
- Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked potatoes, double cream, thyme, and half of the grated cheese to the skillet. Mix gently and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 4. Roll Out the Pastry
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to fit your 8-inch pie dish.
- Line the dish with the pastry, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing.
Step 5. Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the potato and onion filling into the pastry case, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the breadcrumbs and the remaining grated cheese for a crunchy, cheesy topping.
Step 6. Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the topping is bubbling.
Step 7. Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
