How to Make Cornish Beef Pasties
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a firm dough forms. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the diced beef, potato, onion, and rutabaga. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Keep the mixture raw—this is key to authentic flavor.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide the chilled pastry into equal portions and roll each into a circle about 8 inches wide. Place a mound of filling slightly off-center on each circle. Add a small knob of butter on top of the filling.
Step 4: Shape the Pasties
Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp along the seam to seal. This ensures no juices escape during baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Brush the pasties with beaten egg to help them develop a rich golden color in the oven.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pasties on a lined baking tray and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is cooked through.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the pasties to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and improves flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cornish Pasties
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Cut ingredients evenly so they cook at the same rate.
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Season well—the filling relies on salt and pepper for flavor.
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Use cold pastry to achieve a flaky crust.
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Pasties freeze beautifully before or after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Cornish beef pasties are traditionally enjoyed on their own, but they also pair well with:
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A simple green salad
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Pickles or chutney
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Gravy for dipping (non-traditional, but delicious)
Final Thoughts
Cornish beef pasties are more than just a meal—they’re a piece of culinary history wrapped in golden pastry. Hearty, satisfying, and full of rustic flavor, they showcase how simple ingredients can create something timeless. Once you make them from scratch, it’s easy to understand why this classic recipe has endured for generations.
