Mary berry Raised Chicken and Pork Pie

I. Introduction

Mary Berry, often regarded as Britain’s favorite baker, has significantly shaped British cooking throughout her illustrious career. With more than 70 cookbooks, including hits like Mary Berry Cooks and Mary Berry’s Baking Bible, her recipes represent reliability and comfort. As a judge on the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off, Mary has inspired countless home cooks for over forty years.

Her raised chicken and pork pie is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations. This dish honors traditional British cuisine while incorporating historical context, nutritional insights, and even a vegan adaptation for those seeking plant-based options.

II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context

Mary Berry highlights the importance of using high-quality ingredients to achieve the robust flavors in her recipes. Raised pies, with a rich history in British cuisine dating back to the medieval period, were originally a means of preserving meat in pastry. Over time, this dish has evolved, reflecting changing preferences and available ingredients. According to sources like The Oxford Companion to Food, these pies served as practical solutions for meat preservation and became staples at feasts.

Mary’s recipe honors this tradition while adding her personal touch, ensuring that each bite is as comforting as it is delicious. Her meticulous attention to detail guarantees that the flavor remains authentic, yet approachable for modern cooks.

III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients:

• For the Pastry:
  • 500g plain flour
  • 250g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the Filling:
  • 300g chicken breast, diced
  • 300g pork shoulder, minced
  • 100g smoked bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 100ml chicken stock

Equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• A rolling pin
• A round pie dish (approximately 23cm)
• A sharp knife
• A pastry brush
• A baking tray

IV. Recipe Instruction

Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g plain flour and 250g cubed unsalted butter.

Add 1 tsp salt and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Gradually add cold water, mixing until it forms a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling: In a pan, sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 100g diced smoked bacon until golden.

In a bowl, mix the sautéed onion and bacon with 300g diced chicken, 300g minced pork, 2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 100ml chicken stock.

Assemble the Pie: Roll out the chilled pastry to fit your pie dish. Line the dish with the pastry, leaving excess overhang.

Fill with the meat mixture, then cover with another layer of rolled pastry, sealing the edges.

Bake: After this, Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top with beaten egg.

Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown.

Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

V. Flavor Profile & Nutritional Information

Mary Berry’s raised chicken and pork pie boasts a savory flavor profile, combining the richness of pork and chicken with aromatic herbs. Each slice delivers a comforting, hearty experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

VI. Tips for a Perfect Cauliflower Cheese

• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
  • If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
• Enhancing Flavor and Texture:
  • Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for added depth.
• Variations:
  • Add cooked broccoli or leeks for an extra veggie boost.

VII. Alternative Recipes

Vegan Raised Pie:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g plant-based pastry
  • 300g mushrooms, diced
  • 300g lentils, cooked
  • 100g carrots, diced
  • Seasonings (thyme, pepper, salt)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry as mentioned above.
2. Sauté mushrooms and carrots, mix with lentils and seasonings.
3. Assemble and bake as per the original instructions.

VIII. Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing the pie with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

IX. Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to approximately 3 days and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I freeze the pie?
   • Yes, it freezes well. Wrap tightly and store for up to three months.
2. What can I use instead of chicken?
   • Turkey or other meats can be substituted.

XI. Conclusion & Call to Action

Mary Berry’s raised chicken and pork pie is not just a recipe but an experience, filled with flavor and nostalgia. Try this dish for your next gathering, and feel free to share your thoughts and variations with us!

For more delicious recipes, visit Mary Berry’s Official Website.

XII. Additional Resources

• Mary Berry’s Cookbooks
• Culinary Hill for more cooking inspiration.