Scotch Pie

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, let me introduce you to the delightful Scotch Pie. This traditional Scottish treat features a robust, peppery meat filling enveloped in a crisp hot water crust pastry, making it an absolute comfort food classic. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a hearty meal on a busy weeknight, these little pies are sure to impress everyone at your table.

What I love most about Scotch Pie is its simplicity. The ingredients are wholesome and easily accessible, yet the flavors are anything but ordinary. Once you give this recipe a try, I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have these delicious pies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good pie! Kids and adults alike will enjoy these savory bites.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Make them ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a rich filling that’s bursting with flavor—every bite is a delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Scotch Pie recipe calls for simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pastry

• 250 g All-purpose flour
• 100 g Lard or butter (use butter for vegetarian option)
• 100 ml Boiling water
• 1 tsp Salt (divided)

For the Filling

• 400 g Ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 tsp Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp White pepper
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Ground mace
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg

For Brushing

• 1 Egg (beaten)

Variations

The beauty of Scotch Pie lies in its versatility! Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of lamb or beef for a lighter version.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian filling.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely chopped carrots or peas into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a bit more heat in your pies.

How to Make Scotch Pie

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a saucepan, heat your lard (or butter) along with the boiling water until just bubbling. Pour this mixture over the flour and half of your salt in a bowl. Stir it all together, then allow it to cool before kneading until smooth. This hot water crust pastry is key to achieving that delightful crunch!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix together the ground lamb (or beef), chopped onion, white and black pepper, mace, nutmeg, and remaining salt. Ensure everything is evenly combined; this step is crucial as it helps distribute those fantastic flavors throughout your filling.

Step 3: Shape the Pies

Roll out your pastry to about 1/8-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles for both bases and tops of your pies. Line pie rings or muffin tins with the larger circles—this will create perfect little pockets for your delicious filling.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Spoon generous amounts of your meat filling into each pastry case. Moisten the edges with some water, place on the top pastry cuts, then pinch or crimp them closed to seal in all that goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Brush each pie with beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish. Pop them into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30–35 minutes until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Scotch Pies cool briefly before carefully removing them from their molds. Enjoy them hot, warm, or even at room temperature—no matter how you serve them, they’re bound to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Scotch Pie

Making Scotch pie is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you can ensure your pies turn out perfect every time!

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your lard (or butter) cold helps create a flaky pastry. This is especially important as warm fats can lead to a denser crust.
• Don’t Overwork the Pastry: When kneading the dough, be gentle! Overworking can make it tough. Aim for a smooth consistency without excessive handling.
• Chill Before Baking: After shaping your pies, let them chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and ensures a better texture.
• Season Generously: The filling can be enhanced with herbs or spices of your choice. A little extra seasoning not only adds flavor but also brings depth to the meat filling.
• Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe uses lamb or beef, feel free to explore alternatives like minced chicken or plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!

How to Serve Scotch Pie

Scotch pie is not just tasty; it’s also visually appealing! You can serve it in various ways that enhance its rustic charm and flavor.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of chili flakes will give an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food companion that balances the savory richness of the pie.
• Minted Peas: Sweet peas tossed with fresh mint offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty filling.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the Scotch pie beautifully.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roasted until golden provide earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with this dish.

With these serving suggestions, your Scotch pies will not only be delicious but also create an inviting meal that everyone will love! Enjoy sharing this comforting Scottish classic with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Scotch pie recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these pies ahead of time and enjoy them on busy weeknights or serve them at gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pies to cool completely before storing.
• Place the Scotch pies in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the pies completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Remove the plastic wrap from frozen pies and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about Scotch pie that might help!

What is a Scotch Pie?

A Scotch pie is a traditional Scottish meat pie known for its peppery filling, typically made from minced meat like lamb or beef, encased in a crisp hot water crust pastry.

Can I use different types of meat in my Scotch Pie?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses lamb or beef, feel free to experiment with other meats or even plant-based alternatives for a delicious twist on this comforting dish.

How do I ensure my Scotch Pie has a flaky crust?

To achieve a flaky crust, make sure you’re using cold lard or butter when making the pastry. Also, avoid overworking the dough; just knead it until smooth.

What can I serve with my Scotch Pie?

Scotch pie pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, peas, or even a fresh salad. It’s also delightful on its own as a snack!

Final Thoughts

This Scotch pie recipe is not only simple to make but also brings warmth and comfort to any table. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that’s both satisfying and inviting. I hope you enjoy making these delightful little pies as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations—happy cooking!