British pie, a staple of the UK’s culinary scene, is a delicious and comforting treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of traditional beef and ale pie or prefer something a bit more adventurous like chicken and mushroom, there’s a pie out there to suit every taste. But what do you eat with British pie? In this article, we’ll explore the best sides, toppings, and accompaniments to enjoy with your favorite pie.
The Classic Combination: Pie and Mash
For many Brits, the classic combination of pie and mash is the ultimate comfort food. A traditional British pie, made with a filling of beef, lamb, or chicken, is paired with a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables. The mash helps to soak up the rich, savory gravy of the pie, while the vegetables add a burst of freshness to the dish.
The Art of Making the Perfect Mash
Making the perfect mash to accompany your pie is an art form in itself. Here are a few tips to help you get it just right:
- Choose the right potatoes: Look for high-starch potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward, which will yield a light and fluffy mash.
- Add plenty of butter and milk: Don’t be stingy with the butter and milk – a generous helping will give your mash a rich and creamy texture.
- Use a ricer or masher: Avoid over-mixing your mash, which can make it gluey and unappetizing. Instead, use a ricer or masher to break down the potatoes and create a smooth, even texture.
Other Popular Sides to Enjoy with Pie
While mash is a classic pairing for pie, there are plenty of other delicious sides to enjoy with your favorite pie. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips make a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with pie.
- Braised red cabbage: Slow-cooked red cabbage with apples and onions is a delicious and flavorful side dish that complements the rich flavors of pie.
- Garlic bread: For a more indulgent option, try serving your pie with a slice of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty pie.
Pie and Chips: A Match Made in Heaven
For a more casual take on pie, try pairing it with a serving of crispy chips (or French fries, as they’re known in some parts of the world). The combination of the crispy, salty chips and the warm, comforting pie is a match made in heaven.
Toppings and Accompaniments
As well as choosing the right sides to enjoy with your pie, you can also add a range of toppings and accompaniments to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas:
- Gravy: A rich, savory gravy is the perfect accompaniment to pie. You can make your own gravy using the juices from the pie, or use a store-bought variety.
- Pickles: A tangy pickle can add a welcome burst of flavor to your pie. Try using a traditional British pickle like Branston or Haywards.
- Chutney: A sweet and spicy chutney can add a delicious depth of flavor to your pie. Try using a mango or tomato chutney for a tasty twist.
The Art of Making the Perfect Gravy
Making the perfect gravy to accompany your pie is a crucial part of the pie-eating experience. Here are a few tips to help you get it just right:
- Use the pie juices: The juices from the pie are the perfect base for a delicious gravy. Simply deglaze the pie dish with a little wine or stock, then whisk in some flour to thicken.
- Add plenty of flavor: Don’t be afraid to add plenty of flavor to your gravy, using ingredients like onions, carrots, and celery.
- Use a roux: A roux made with butter and flour can help to thicken your gravy and add a rich, velvety texture.
Regional Pie Specialties
Britain is home to a diverse range of regional pie specialties, each with its own unique flavor and character. Here are a few examples:
- Cornish pasties: These traditional pasties from Cornwall are made with a filling of beef, potatoes, and swede, wrapped in a crimped pastry crust.
- Steak and kidney pie: This classic pie from the north of England is made with a filling of slow-cooked beef and kidney, topped with a puff pastry crust.
- Chicken and mushroom pie: This creamy pie from the south of England is made with a filling of chicken and mushrooms in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with a puff pastry crust.
A Guide to Regional Pie Etiquette
When it comes to eating pie in different regions of Britain, there are certain rules of etiquette to follow. Here are a few tips:
- In Cornwall, it’s traditional to eat pasties with your hands, using the crimped pastry crust as a handle.
- In the north of England, it’s common to eat steak and kidney pie with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables.
- In the south of England, it’s traditional to eat chicken and mushroom pie with a side of roasted vegetables and gravy.
Conclusion
British pie is a delicious and comforting treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of traditional beef and ale pie or prefer something a bit more adventurous like chicken and mushroom, there’s a pie out there to suit every taste. By choosing the right sides, toppings, and accompaniments, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your pie and create a truly unforgettable dining experience. So next time you’re in the mood for pie, why not try something new and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pie-fect pairing?
What is a traditional British pie?
A traditional British pie is a dish made with a pastry crust and filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and gravy. The fillings can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences. Some popular types of traditional British pies include the steak and kidney pie, the chicken and mushroom pie, and the fish pie.
These pies are often served as a main course and are a staple of British cuisine. They are typically made with a hot water crust pastry, which is a type of pastry that is made with hot water and is often used for savory pies. The pastry is filled with the chosen ingredients and then baked in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
What are some popular types of British pies?
There are many different types of British pies, each with its own unique filling and flavor. Some popular types of British pies include the steak and kidney pie, the chicken and mushroom pie, the fish pie, and the shepherd’s pie. The steak and kidney pie is a classic British dish made with slow-cooked beef, kidney, and gravy, topped with a puff pastry crust. The chicken and mushroom pie is a creamy and flavorful pie made with chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sauce.
Other popular types of British pies include the fish pie, which is made with fish, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, and the shepherd’s pie, which is made with minced lamb, vegetables, and a layer of mashed potatoes on top. These pies are all delicious and satisfying, and are perfect for a comforting meal.
What are some good sides to serve with British pie?
British pies are often served with a variety of sides to complement their rich and savory flavors. Some popular sides to serve with British pie include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and steamed greens. Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with many types of British pies, including the steak and kidney pie and the shepherd’s pie.
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips are also a tasty side dish that complements the flavors of British pie. Steamed greens such as broccoli and green beans are another healthy and delicious option. These sides help to round out the meal and provide a contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pie.
Can I serve British pie with a salad?
While British pies are often served with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, they can also be served with a salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. A more substantial grain salad or a roasted vegetable salad can also be a tasty and healthy option.
When serving British pie with a salad, it’s best to choose a salad that complements the flavors of the pie without overpowering them. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a good choice, or a more substantial salad made with roasted vegetables and a tangy dressing.
What are some good beverages to serve with British pie?
British pies are often served with a variety of beverages to complement their rich and savory flavors. Some popular beverages to serve with British pie include tea, beer, and red wine. Tea is a classic British beverage that pairs well with many types of pies, including the steak and kidney pie and the shepherd’s pie.
Beer and red wine are also popular choices to serve with British pie. A rich and malty beer such as a brown ale or a porter can complement the flavors of the pie, while a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot can add a sophisticated touch to the meal.
Can I serve British pie as a snack or appetizer?
While British pies are often served as a main course, they can also be served as a snack or appetizer. Miniature pies or pie bites can be made and served as a snack or appetizer, and are perfect for parties or special occasions. These small pies can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, beef, or vegetables, and can be served hot or cold.
When serving British pie as a snack or appetizer, it’s best to choose a filling that is flavorful and easy to eat. Miniature pies filled with chicken or beef are a good choice, or pie bites filled with cheese and vegetables. These small pies can be served with a variety of dips or sauces, such as a tangy chutney or a rich gravy.
How do I store and reheat British pie?
British pies can be stored and reheated in a variety of ways. Cooked pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months. To reheat a cooked pie, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Uncooked pies can also be frozen and reheated at a later time. To freeze an uncooked pie, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat an uncooked pie, simply place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.