Classic English Steak and Kidney Pie
This traditional English dish, rooted in the culinary heritage of the UK, features tender chunks of beef and kidney nestled in a rich and savory gravy, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry. Adapted from the international recipe collection 'A World of Good Eating,' published in 1951, this comforting pie is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The blend of earthy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and mouthwatering meats creates a satisfying and hearty meal that will transport you straight to a quaint English pub. Although I haven't tried it yet, the anticipation of its savory flavors makes it a highly anticipated dish in our home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef kidneys
2 small (Cleaned and skinned)
round steak
3/4 lb (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
flour
1 cup (For dredging and thickening)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
onion
1 cup (Chopped)
hot water
as needed (For cooking)
bay leaf
1 (Whole)
dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon (Dried)
celery
1/4 cup (Diced, or use 1/4 cup celery tops)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (Diced)
flour
2 tablespoons (For thickening sauc)
flour
1 teaspoon (For thickening sauce)
cold water
1/2 cup (For thickening sauc)
pie crust
1 (Unbaked)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the kidneys. Remove any skin and tough connective tissues, then wash them thoroughly in salted water to ensure cleanliness.
2
In a plastic bag, combine 1 cup of flour with salt and pepper to taste. Cut the cleaned kidneys into one-inch squares and place them in the bag. Seal the bag tightly and shake well to coat the kidneys evenly with the seasoned flour.
3
Remove the kidneys from the bag and set them aside. Add the remaining seasoned flour to the cut round steak, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
4
In a heavy skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, ensuring a good sear for flavor.
5
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and the coated kidneys to the skillet. Continue cooking gently until the onion is translucent and the kidneys are browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Pour enough hot water to cover the meat in the skillet, then add the bay leaf, parsley, and diced celery (or celery tops). Cover tightly and allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 hour, until the meat is tender.
7
After simmering, carefully remove the meat and kidney mixture from the skillet and transfer it to a deep baking dish. Stir in the coarsely chopped mushrooms and diced carrots.
8
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of flour with 1/2 cup of cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet where the meat was cooked, stirring continuously over medium heat until the juices thicken into a gravy.
9
Pour the thickened gravy over the meat and vegetables in the baking dish. Finally, cover the dish with the unbaked pie crust, trimming excess crust if necessary. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
10
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. If the pastry begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
11
Once baked, allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic English dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic English Steak and Kidney Pie?
It is a traditional English dish featuring tender chunks of beef and kidney in a rich savory gravy, encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry.
What meats are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 small beef kidneys and 3/4 lb of round steak.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What cut of beef is used for the filling?
Round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, is the primary beef cut used.
How do you prepare the beef kidneys?
Remove any skin and tough connective tissues, then wash them thoroughly in salted water.
What is the first step in cleaning the kidneys?
The first step is to remove any skin and tough connective tissues before washing.
What is used to coat the meat before browning?
A mixture of 1 cup of flour, salt, and pepper is used to coat the meat.
How should the steak be cut?
The round steak should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What temperature is the oven preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the meat simmer before baking?
The meat and aromatics should simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is tender.
What vegetables are included in the pie filling?
The filling includes onion, celery, fresh mushrooms, and carrots.
Are the mushrooms and carrots cooked with the meat initially?
No, the mushrooms and carrots are stirred in after the meat has simmered and been transferred to the baking dish.
What seasoning is suggested for this pie?
Salt and pepper are used to taste, along with a bay leaf and dried parsley flakes.
How do you thicken the gravy?
Mix 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of flour with 1/2 cup of cold water and stir it into the pan juices over medium heat.
What aromatics are included in the simmering process?
The simmering mixture includes a bay leaf, parsley, and diced celery.
Can celery tops be used in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of diced celery or 1/4 cup of celery tops.
How long is the total baking time for the pie?
The pie bakes for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
What should I do if the pastry browns too fast?
Cover the pastry loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while it continues to bake.
Why do you cut slits in the top of the pie crust?
Slits are cut in the top to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Is the pie crust baked before adding it to the dish?
No, the recipe specifies using one unbaked pie crust to cover the dish.
What kind of dish should be used for assembly?
A deep baking dish is recommended for transferring the meat and vegetable mixture.
Where does this recipe originate?
This is a traditional English dish rooted in the culinary heritage of the United Kingdom.
What book was this recipe adapted from?
It was adapted from the 1951 international recipe collection titled 'A World of Good Eating'.
How large should the kidney pieces be?
The cleaned kidneys should be cut into one-inch squares.
What is the onion's role in the recipe?
The chopped onion is cooked with the kidneys until translucent to provide a flavor base for the gravy.
Do you use hot or cold water to cover the meat during simmering?
You use enough hot water to cover the meat in the skillet for the simmering stage.
How much cold water is used for the gravy thickening mix?
Exactly 1/2 cup of cold water is mixed with flour to create the thickening agent.
What type of parsley is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes.
Should I allow the pie to cool before serving?
Yes, allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the flavors settle.
Is this considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.