Scotch Pie

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul, let me introduce you to my favorite Scotch pie. This hearty Scottish classic features a peppery meat filling enveloped in a delightful hot water crust pastry. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends over the weekend, this Scotch pie is sure to impress!

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and authentic flavor. Each bite is packed with deliciousness, making it a beloved choice for many occasions. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up that even beginner cooks can feel like pros in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 80 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your schedule.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these savory pies—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and enjoy warm Scotch pies whenever cravings hit.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices gives each bite an amazing depth, making them truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome components that you might already have at home. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Scotch pies.

For the Pastry

• 400 g Ground lamb (Or beef a mix)
• 250 g All-purpose flour (For pastry)
• 100 g Lard or butter (For pastry; butter for vegetarian option)
• 100 ml Boiling water (For pastry)
• 1 tsp Salt (Divided for filling and pastry)

For the Filling

• 1 tsp Onion (Finely chopped)
• 1 tsp White pepper (For seasoning)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (For seasoning)
• 0.5 tsp Ground mace (For filling)
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg (For filling)
• 1 Egg (Beaten, for brushing)

Variations

This Scotch pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with variations that suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of lamb or beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in some finely chopped mushrooms or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat filling.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or chickpeas mixed with your favorite spices for a plant-based twist.

How to Make Scotch Pie

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a saucepan, heat your lard (or butter) along with boiling water until it’s just bubbling. Pour this mixture over the flour and half of your salt in a bowl. Stir it gently, then let it cool slightly before kneading until smooth. This step is crucial as it creates that lovely hot water crust pastry we all adore!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix together your ground lamb (or beef), chopped onion, white pepper, black pepper, ground mace, nutmeg, and the remaining salt. Ensure everything is evenly combined; this will ensure every bite of your Scotch pie is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Shape the Pies

Roll out your pastry to about 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out circles for both bases and tops of your pies. Line pie rings or muffin tins with the larger circles—this forms the perfect case for your delicious filling.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Spoon generous amounts of meat filling into each pastry case. Moisten the edges before placing on the tops; this helps seal everything together beautifully! Pinch or crimp them closed to keep all those tasty juices inside while baking.

Step 5: Bake

Brush each pie with beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. Pop them in your preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30–35 minutes until they are golden brown and irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, let your pies cool briefly before removing them from their molds. They are delightful served hot, warm, or even at room temperature—perfect for sharing with loved ones! Enjoy every bite of these comforting Scotch pies!

Pro Tips for Making Scotch Pie

Making the perfect Scotch pie is all about technique and a dash of love. Here are some handy tips to ensure your pies turn out scrumptious every time!

• Choose Quality Meat: Opting for fresh ground lamb or beef enhances the flavor of your filling. Higher quality meat means a more robust taste that shines through.

• Knead Until Smooth: When making your pastry, knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. This ensures a tender yet sturdy crust that holds the filling beautifully.

• Don’t Overfill: When placing the meat mixture into the pastry cases, avoid overfilling them. A little space allows for expansion while baking, preventing spills and ensuring a neat presentation.

• Brush with Egg: Brushing the tops with beaten egg not only adds a lovely golden color but also gives your pies a glossy finish, making them look irresistible on the plate.

• Cool Before Serving: Letting your pies cool for a few minutes after baking helps to set the filling, making them easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Scotch Pie

Serving Scotch pie is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the pie.
• Dijon Mustard: A dollop of zesty Dijon mustard on the side adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a classic pairing. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the flaky pastry and hearty filling.

• Peas: Lightly cooked peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing out the savory notes of the Scotch pie.

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness to your plate. The crisp vegetables offer a delightful contrast to the warmth of the pie.

• Gravy: A rich, flavorful gravy drizzled over your Scotch pie elevates it further, adding moisture and depth to each bite.

Enjoy creating this delicious Scottish classic! Your homemade Scotch pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Scotch pie recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch in advance, store them, and enjoy hearty comfort food anytime you like.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the Scotch pies cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat from frozen:
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Remove the wrapping and place the pies on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating refrigerated pies, heat for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Scotch pie:

Can I use beef instead of lamb for the Scotch pie?

Absolutely! You can use ground beef or a mix of both lamb and beef. The flavors will still be deliciously rich!

What makes a Scotch pie special?

A Scotch pie is characterized by its robust, peppery meat filling encased in a delightful hot water crust pastry. It’s a comforting classic that brings warmth to any meal.

Can I make Scotch pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these pies in advance, store them properly, and enjoy them later. They’re excellent for meal prep!

How do I know when my Scotch pies are done baking?

Your Scotch pies should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch when they are done baking. A cooking time of 30-35 minutes at 180°C (350°F) is usually perfect.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Scotch pie recipe has inspired you to bring a taste of Scotland into your kitchen! With its flavorful filling and flaky pastry, it’s truly a comfort food classic that warms the heart. Enjoy making this dish as much as I do, and share it with friends and family — there’s nothing quite like sharing good food with loved ones. Happy cooking!