Pies have long been a staple of English cuisine, with a history dating back to the medieval era. From savory meat pies to sweet fruit-filled pies, there is no denying that the English love their pies. But, with so many different varieties available, which one reigns supreme as the most popular pie in England?
In this article, we will explore the history of pies in England and delve into the top contenders for the title of most popular pie. Drawing on regional and national preferences, as well as current trends, we will attempt to uncover the answer to this age-old question. So, grab a cuppa and a slice of your favorite pie, and let’s dive in!
The History of Pie in England
The history of pie in England dates back to the Medieval era. Pies were a popular dish during this time as they allowed meat and vegetables to be cooked in a pastry shell, which served both as a vessel for cooking and as a storage container for food. The crust was often made from flour and water, with butter and lard added to improve the texture and flavor.
As culinary techniques evolved, so did the popularity of pies. During the Tudor period, pies were elevated to the level of an art form, with elaborate decorative designs created from pastry. The reign of Queen Victoria saw the advent of sweet pies, such as apple and mincemeat, which remain popular to this day. Today, pie-making is an important part of British culinary culture, with many regional variations and traditional recipes still being handed down through the generations.
Regional Variations in British Pies
Regional Variations in British Pies
Pies have always been a quintessential part of British cuisine, and each region has its own specialty. In the north of England, meat pies such as steak and kidney are a staple, and Lancashire hotpot is a famous local specialty. In the Midlands, Melton Mowbray pork pies are a popular choice. These pies consist of a crisp golden crust filled with succulent pork and are traditionally served cold.
Moving onto the south, Cornish pasties are a much-loved food from Cornwall. These handheld pastries are filled with beef, potatoes, swede, and onions and can be eaten hot or cold. Another popular regional pie is the London-style pie and mash. Made with minced beef, the filling is spiced with parsley and served with a side of mashed potatoes and parsley gravy. With so many delicious regional variations to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one favorite!
Survey Says: The Top Five Most Popular Pies
According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov, the most popular pie among the English is none other than the classic apple pie. This sweet treat was voted as the number one choice by 21% of the respondents. Following closely behind is the savory steak and ale pie, with 19% of the votes.
The third most beloved pie in England is the humble chicken pie, with 18% of people choosing it as their favorite. In fourth place is the traditional pork pie, with 10% of votes, and fifth on the list is the beloved shepherd’s pie, with 9% of respondents choosing it. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 18% of English people claim to not like pies at all, with the main reason being the presence of gelatin in certain pies.
The Best Places to Find Traditional Pies in England
If you’re visiting England and are eager to try a traditional pie, you won’t have to look far. The country is famous for its love of pies, and there are plenty of places where you can find delicious and authentic options.
One of the best places to start is in London, where you’ll find iconic establishments like F. Cooke and Mother Mash, both of which offer classic pie options like steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, and minced beef and onion. If you’re venturing outside of London, places like The Old Ferry Inn in Bodinnick and The George Inn in Lacock are also highly recommended for their delicious pies. And for those interested in finding savory pies as well as sweet, The Square Pie Company is a must-visit, with locations across the country serving everything from gourmet beef and ale pies to chicken and ham hock.
The Art of Making the Perfect Pie Crust
The perfect crust is essential for any great pie, and the art of making it has been passed down through generations of English bakers. The most common type of crust is made from flour, butter, and water, although other ingredients like lard or shortening can be used for a more flaky texture. The key to a good crust is to use cold butter or fat, and to avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
Some bakers use a food processor to mix their dough, while others prefer to work it by hand. There are also different techniques for rolling out the dough – some use a rolling pin and others prefer a gentle stretch and fold method. Regardless of the method, the goal is always the same – a perfectly even, flaky and crisp crust that will hold up well against the filling. With practice and patience, anyone can learn the art of making a perfect pie crust, ensuring that the filling will be the only thing left for debate when it comes to choosing England’s favorite pie.
Pies Beyond Sweet: Savory Pies Taking Over
While sweet pies have always been a staple of English desserts, savory pies have been gaining popularity in recent years. Traditional savory pies like steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, and pork and apple have been getting a modern twist with new ingredients and techniques. Some of the newer varieties include pies filled with caramelized onions, goat’s cheese, and even curry fillings. In addition to traditional fillings, chefs are using new techniques in pie making, such as filling them with mashed potatoes or other vegetables, or instead of a traditional crust, using puff pastry.
The popularity of savory pies is also evident in the variety of new places specializing in these kinds of pies. In London, for example, there is the gourmet pie shop Square Pie, which offers pies with fillings like chorizo, mushroom and asparagus, goat’s cheese, and spinach and sweet potato. This trend towards savory pies is not only about new flavors and techniques but also represents a desire for comfort foods that have been updated with a modern and sophisticated touch.
What’s Next for the Future of British Pie Cuisine?
As the world becomes more connected, and people travel and experience new cuisines, the future of British pie cuisine is likely to continue to evolve. Some chefs and cooks are experimenting with new flavors and textures, incorporating global ingredients and cooking techniques to add a distinctive twist to traditional pies.
In addition, healthy eating trends and the rise of vegetarianism and veganism are likely to impact the future of British pie cuisine. More and more people are looking for healthy, plant-based options, and chefs are responding with delicious vegetarian and vegan pie recipes that are just as satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. Overall, the future looks bright for British pies, with innovative and exciting new recipes sure to emerge in the years ahead.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, the title question of “What is the most popular pie in England?” is not a simple one to answer. Depending on the criteria used to determine popularity, the answer could vary greatly between savory and sweet pies. Additionally, regional preferences and seasonal availability can also greatly affect which pie is deemed most popular at a given time.
Despite the difficulty in determining a clear winner for the title of “most popular pie”, it is clear that pies hold a special place in English cuisine and culture. From the humble meat pie enjoyed by working-class families to the extravagant fruit pies served at banquets, pies have been enjoyed by the English for centuries and show no signs of losing their popularity any time soon.