Coal Miners Pasties Recipe

Diced beef: Tender pieces of beef that provide the main protein for the pasties.

Potatoes: Peeled and diced, these add a starchy, comforting element to the filling.

Onion: Chopped to add a sweet and savory flavor to the mix.

Carrot: Diced to bring a subtle sweetness and additional texture.

Shortcrust pastry: A flaky pastry that encases the filling, either store-bought or homemade.

Egg: Beaten and used as a glaze to give the pasties a golden brown finish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing the shortcrust pastry, ensure it is chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming too sticky. Additionally, when sealing the pasties, use a bit of water along the edges to help the pastry adhere better, ensuring none of the filling escapes during baking.

• diced beef - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef can provide a similar texture and flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

• diced beef - Substitute with lamb: Lamb offers a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and a slightly different texture.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with turnips: Turnips provide a similar starchy texture and can be a good alternative.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a subtle onion flavor and can be a good substitute.

• diced carrot - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor that works well in place of carrots.

• diced carrot - Substitute with celery: Celery adds a different texture and a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• ready-made or homemade shortcrust pastry - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry provides a flaky texture that can be a delightful alternative.

• ready-made or homemade shortcrust pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough offers a lighter, crispier texture.

• beaten egg - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a glaze to give a similar golden finish.

• beaten egg - Substitute with butter: Melted butter can also be used to achieve a golden glaze.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor with an umami depth.

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor.

• Allow the pasties to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pastry soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the pasties in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To freeze the pasties, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped pasties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 180°c (350°f). If reheating from frozen, there's no need to thaw. Simply place the frozen pasties on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp.

• If reheating from the refrigerator, bake at 180°c (350°f) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasties are warmed through and the pastry is crisp.

• For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the pasties on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that the pastry may not be as crisp as when reheated in the oven.

• To maintain the flavor and texture of the pasties, avoid reheating multiple times. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume immediately.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the leftover pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from becoming too hard. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the pastry is crisp.

• Microwave Method: Place the pasties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the pastry from drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Note that the pastry may not be as crisp as when reheated in the oven.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Place the pasties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is crispy. This method is great for maintaining the pastry's texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the pasties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps keep the pastry crisp while warming the filling thoroughly.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasties on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the pastry is golden and crisp. This method is convenient for small batches.

• Oven: Used to bake the pasties at the required temperature of 200°C (400°F).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the beef, potatoes, onion, and carrot with seasoning.

• Rolling pin: Used to roll out the shortcrust pastry into circles.

• Knife: Used to dice the beef, potatoes, and carrot, and to chop the onion.

• Pastry cutter: Used to cut the rolled-out pastry into equal circles.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the pasties on for baking in the oven.

• Pastry brush: Used to brush the beaten egg onto the pasties for a golden glaze.

• Fork: Used to crimp the edges of the pasties to seal them.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and pepper to taste.

• Peeler: Used to peel the potatoes before dicing them.

Use pre-diced ingredients: Save time by purchasing pre-diced beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots from the store.

Ready-made pastry: Opt for ready-made shortcrust pastry to skip the dough preparation step.

Batch preparation: Prepare multiple pasties at once and freeze them for future quick meals.

Efficient rolling: Roll out the pastry between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and save cleanup time.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the pasties to ensure it's ready when you are.