Beef and Onion Pie


 Cuisine: British  Type: Entree

Beef and Onion Pie : Entree in British cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Beef
500 grams (500)
Onion
2 medium (200)
Butter
2 tablespoons (28)
Flour
2 tablespoons (28)
Beef Stock
1 cup (240)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (14)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Puff Pastry
1 sheet (200)
 Totals
43 oz (1,220 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Onions
60
Flour
120
Butter
100
Beef Stock
40
Milk
60
Egg
70
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Thyme
5
 Totals
705 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe.

Step 2: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add the onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Return the beef to the pan with the onions. Add any additional vegetables or seasonings specified in the recipe.

Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 6: Gradually pour in beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a pie dish or individual ramekins.

Step 8: Roll out the pastry dough to fit the top of the pie dish or ramekins. Place the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.

Step 9: Cut a small slit or make a decorative design on top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 10: Brush the pastry with beaten egg or milk for a golden finish.

Step 11: Place the pie dish or ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the pastry is golden and the filling is hot and bubbling.

Step 12: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.

Step 13: Serve the beef and onion pie hot, accompanied by your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Note: The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the recipe, so always refer to the specific instructions provided.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Beef and Onion Pie in British cuisine:

1. Beef:
- Substitute with lamb or pork, cut into cubes or ground.
- Adjust cooking time as needed, as lamb or pork may require slightly longer cooking than beef.

2. Onion:
- Substitute with shallots or leeks, finely chopped.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor.

3. Beef stock:
- Substitute with vegetable or chicken stock.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, as vegetable or chicken stock may have different flavors.

4. Worcestershire sauce:
- Substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor.

5. Flour:
- Substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
- Use half the amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder compared to flour, as they have stronger thickening properties.

6. Puff pastry:
- Substitute with shortcrust pastry or pie crust.
- Adjust baking time and temperature as needed, as different pastry types may require different cooking conditions.

7. Egg wash:
- Substitute with milk or cream for brushing the pastry.
- Adjust quantity as needed to achieve desired browning.

8. Seasonings:
- Adjust the quantities of herbs and spices based on personal preference and desired flavor.

Note: These substitutions and alterations are suggestions and may result in a slightly different taste or texture compared to the original recipe. Adjustments in cooking time, temperature, and seasoning may be necessary to accommodate the substitutions.

 Pairings 


- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts)
- Peas
- Gravy
- Pickles or chutney
- Yorkshire pudding
- Red wine
- Stout or dark ale
- Horseradish sauce

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use a decorative pie crust design or lattice top to make it visually appealing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve individual mini pies for an elegant touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy taste.
- Include a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the richness.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, well-marbled beef cuts such as ribeye or tenderloin.
- Replace regular onions with caramelized shallots for a sweeter and more refined flavor.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or shaved truffles for a luxurious and indulgent twist.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with lean ground beef to reduce the overall fat content.
- Replace traditional pie crust with a whole wheat or gluten-free crust for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth or use homemade broth to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Incorporate a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and mushrooms to increase the nutrient content and fiber.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, substitute dairy-based ingredients like butter or milk with lactose-free alternatives.
- Reduce the amount of added sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.
- Consider using alternative seasonings and herbs to add flavor, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary, instead of relying heavily on salt.
- For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms.
- Portion control is essential for individuals watching their calorie intake; consider making smaller individual pies or adjusting serving sizes accordingly.
- For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, use a lower-carb crust or reduce the amount of crust used in the recipe.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Use lean beef: Opt for lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, to reduce the saturated fat content.

2. Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables like carrots, peas, and mushrooms to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the pie.

3. Choose whole wheat pastry: Use whole wheat pastry or filo dough instead of regular pastry to increase fiber and promote better digestion.

4. Reduce salt and sodium: Cut back on salt and use herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic to enhance flavor instead.

5. Use low-fat dairy: Substitute full-fat dairy products with low-fat alternatives, such as skim milk or reduced-fat cheese, to reduce the overall fat content.

6. Minimize added fats: Avoid excessive butter or oil when cooking the onions and beef. Opt for cooking sprays or small amounts of heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.

7. Bake instead of frying: Instead of deep-frying the pie, bake it in the oven to reduce the added fat and calories.

8. Control portion size: Serve smaller portions of the pie to manage calorie intake and prevent overeating.

9. Serve with a side salad: Accompany the pie with a fresh green salad to increase the vegetable content and add more nutrients to the meal.

10. Experiment with herbs and spices: Explore different herbs and spices, like paprika or cumin, to add flavor to the pie without relying on excessive salt or fat.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry sheets instead of making the dough from scratch.
2. Opt for cheaper cuts of beef, such as chuck or stewing beef, which are perfect for slow cooking and develop rich flavors.
3. Consider using frozen or pre-cut onions instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and reduce waste.
4. Use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to tenderize the beef faster, reducing cooking time.
5. Substitute beef stock cubes or bouillon for homemade beef stock to save time and money.
6. Add vegetables like carrots or peas to bulk up the filling without adding extra cost.
7. Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future meals, saving time and effort in the long run.
8. Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavors without relying on expensive ingredients.
9. Instead of serving the pie with a side dish, incorporate potatoes into the filling to make it a one-pot meal.
10. Consider making mini pies or turnovers instead of a large pie to reduce cooking time and ensure even baking.