Classic Beef Pies

Laura Sharrad

Ingredients:

  • 2 TABLESPOONS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 
  •  6 ESCHALOTS PEELED AND HALVED
  • 450G MIXED MUSHROOMS, HALVED
  • ½ CUP SAGE LEAVES
  • ¼ CUP PLAIN FLOUR
  • 1KG CHUCK STEAK,
  • TRIMMED AND CUT INTO 3CM PIECES
  • SEA SALT AND CRACKED BLACK PEPPER
  •  2 TABLE SPOONS TOMATO PASTE
  •  1 CUP RED WINE
  •  3 CUPS BEEF STOCK 
  • 1 EGG, BEATEN
  • STORE-BOUGHT TOMATO CHUTNEY, TO SERVE
  • STORE-BOUGHT PUFF PASTRY SHEETS 

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C Heat half of the oil in a large heavy-based ovenproof saucepan over high heat.
  2. Add the eschalot, mushroom and sage and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside. Place the flour, beef, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and toss to coat. 
  3. Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Cook the beef, in batches, for 6 minutes or until golden.
  4. Return the mushroom mixture to the pan, add the tomato paste, wine and stock and bring to the boil.
  5. Cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes or until beef is tender. 
  6. Cut out 6 x 18cm rounds and use them to line the bases of 6 lightly greased 10cm metal pie tins. Fill with the beef mixture. Cut out 6 rounds to fit the tops of the pies, re-rolling the pastry as necessary.
  7. Brush the edges of the pies with egg and top with the pastry lids.
  8. Press the edges with a fork and trim. Cut crosses in the tops and brush with egg. 
  9. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until golden. Serve with the tomato chutney. Makes 6.
  10. (WE WILL BE MAKING THESE IN THE PIE MAKER)