Jamie Oliver, the renowned British chef, is known for his delicious and accessible recipes that take everyday meals to the next level. One of his most popular dishes is his steak pie, a traditional British dish that has been given a modern twist by the chef. If you’re looking to recreate this dish at home, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to make a Jamie Oliver steak pie in your own kitchen.
The recipe is fairly simple and requires minimal ingredients. However, it does require some time and patience to achieve the perfect results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and a perfect way to impress your family and friends. So let’s get started on making a mouth-watering Jamie Oliver steak pie.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making a delicious Jamie Oliver steak pie is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need 500g of beef chuck steak, one large onion, two cloves of garlic, 500g ready-made puff pastry, 2-3 sprigs of thyme, 2-3 sprigs of rosemary, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and 250g of mushrooms.
When gathering your ingredients, it is important to ensure they are fresh and of good quality. The beef chuck steak should be marbled with fat, which adds flavor and tenderness to the meat. The onions and garlic should be firm and free of any blemishes, while the herbs should be fragrant and vibrant. By gathering high-quality ingredients, you can ensure that your Jamie Oliver steak pie will taste delicious and be a hit with your family and friends.
Preparing the Steak Filling
To make a Jamie Oliver steak pie, you need a delicious and tender filling. Start by prepping the ingredients for the meat filling. You will need 1kg of beef brisket, cut into chunks, 2 diced onions, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery sticks and some chopped garlic.
In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and fry the onions until they turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Once browned, add the carrots and celery sticks, then pour in beef stock until it covers the meat. Add some thyme and rosemary sprigs, cover and let the beef stew for approximately 2 hours. Once done, remove the sprigs and thicken the sauce with some cornstarch. Allow the mixture to cool down and get ready to assemble the pie.
Making the Perfect Pastry Crust
A perfect pastry crust is an essential component of any good steak pie. The key to making a great crust is to use the right ingredients and follow the recipe closely. Begin by mixing together flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl, and then add chilled butter cut into small cubes. Work this mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then add cold water until it forms a ball of dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will make it tough.
The dough should be chilled for at least 30 minutes before being rolled out. This will help the pastry to stay flaky and tender. Once rolled out, the pastry crust should be placed in the pie dish, and the steak filling added on top. A traditional steak pie often has a pastry lid, but some recipes might call for a lattice crust. Whatever your preferred method, be sure to crimp the edges of the pie crust to seal it shut. Finally, brush the top of the crust with an egg wash before baking to give it a lovely golden color.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Once you have prepared the filling and the pastry, it’s time to assemble the Jamie Oliver steak pie. First, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Then, roll out the pastry on a floured surface until it’s big enough to cover the top of the pie dish.
Next, pour the steak filling into the pie dish and top with the rolled-out pastry. Use a knife to trim the edges and press them together with a fork. Cut a small slit in the centre of the pastry to allow the steam to escape during baking. Finally, brush the top of the pastry with some beaten egg and sprinkle some sea salt over it. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Serve hot with some mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side.
Tips for Perfecting Your Steak Pie
Making a steak pie is an art, and there are a few tips to ensure that your pie comes out perfectly every time. Firstly, make sure to use good quality meat – this can be a mix of different cuts, but make sure to use a cut that has a good fat content, as this will make the filling more flavorful and moist. It’s also important to take the time to properly season the meat before cooking, as this will bring out its natural flavors.
Another important tip is to make sure that the pastry is well-prepared. Take the time to chill the pastry before rolling it out, and make sure to use good quality butter or lard to ensure that it is flaky and delicious. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavorings to make your steak pie truly unique – whether you prefer a classic pie with plenty of thyme and garlic, or something a little spicier with some smoky paprika, there are endless possibilities when it comes to making the perfect steak pie.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Jamie Oliver’s Steak Pie is a hearty and delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. One classic and simple serving suggestion is to serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or roasted carrots. The creamy potatoes and flavorful vegetables help cut through the richness of the pie and provide a well-rounded meal.
For those who want to take their pairing game to the next level, red wine or beer are great options. A rich and full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Malbec complements the deep flavors of the steak and mushrooms in the pie. Alternatively, a cold pint of dark ale or stout can bring out the earthy notes of the dish. Whichever pairing you choose, don’t forget to top off your meal with a slice of the homemade Jamie Oliver Steak Pie.
Making Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Steak Pie Recipe
Making variations of Jamie Oliver’s steak pie recipe is a great way to add your own twist to this classic dish. There are endless options when it comes to variations, depending on your preference and taste. For example, you could swap the steak for chicken or turkey, or add some vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or celery to enhance the flavors.
You could also change up the seasoning by adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary. Another idea is to top the pie with mashed sweet potatoes instead of traditional pastry, adding a sweet and savory contrast to the dish. Experimenting with different variations is a fun way to personalize the recipe, and find the perfect combination of flavors for your taste buds.
Final Verdict
In essence, making a Jamie Oliver steak pie is all about getting the key ingredients right and cooking them to perfection. It’s also about paying attention to the little details that add extra oomph to the dish, such as seasoning and layering.
One thing that stands out about Jamie Oliver’s steak pie recipe is that it is simple yet delicious. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice, you can follow his instructions and whip up a satisfying and hearty steak pie that will delight your taste buds and those of your family and friends. So why not give it a try and enjoy the comforts of this classic British dish?