Are you craving a taste of authentic London street food? Then look no further! This recipe will guide you through making delicious pie mash and liquor, a classic East End dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget complicated recipes and expensive takeaways; this simple guide delivers a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend project. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes made with readily available ingredients, showcasing the best of homemade cooking.
What You'll Need: The Ingredients
This recipe is broken down into three parts: the pie filling, the mash, and the liquor. Let's get started with the shopping list!
For the Pie Filling (serves 2):
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g beef mince
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 100ml beef stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mash (serves 2):
- 400g potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 50ml milk (or more, to taste)
- 25g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Liquor (serves 2):
- 50g cubed beef dripping (or vegetable oil for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tbsp malt vinegar
Making the Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Pie Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the thyme, oregano, nutmeg, tomato puree, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
2. Creating the Creamy Mash:
- Boil the potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pan and mash them thoroughly.
- Stir in the milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. The Finishing Touch: The Liquor:
- While the pie filling simmers, heat the beef dripping (or oil) in a separate small pan.
- Once hot, add the malt vinegar, let it simmer briefly, and then set aside. This enhances the rich savory taste.
4. Assembling Your Pie Mash:
- Serve the pie filling generously over a mound of creamy mashed potato.
- Drizzle generously with the flavorful liquor.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Pie Mash:
- For a richer pie filling, use a mixture of beef and lamb mince.
- Add a pinch of brown sugar to the pie filling for a touch of sweetness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes to the pie filling.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar for the liquor – apple cider vinegar can also be delicious.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef mince with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable oil instead of beef dripping.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary depending on specific ingredients used. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a precise value. However, generally, you can expect a moderate calorie count, relatively high in protein from the meat (or lentils), and carbohydrates from the potatoes.
This recipe is a testament to simple, satisfying food. It's a great example of healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your homemade pie mash and liquor – a true taste of London!