Meat pies are a popular comfort food all around the world. They are often made with ingredients like beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, and encased in a crispy pastry crust. While meat pies are delicious on their own, serving them with a side dish can turn them into a hearty and satisfying meal.
Choosing the right side dishes to complement a meat pie is important to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish. There are several side dishes that can go well with meat pies, from vegetables to starchy sides to salads. In this article, we will discuss some of the best side dishes that you can serve with your meat pie to make it a complete meal.
Classic Meat Pie Accompaniments
When it comes to serving meat pies, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavors of the dish. Some of the classic meat pie accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, and a side salad. Mashed potatoes work particularly well as a side dish because they add an element of creaminess that balances well with the savory flavors of the meat pie. In addition, the peas and carrots offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.
A side salad is also a great way to add a refreshing element to your meal. Consider serving a salad with a vinaigrette dressing, which can help to balance out the richness of the meat pie. A green salad with a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions is an excellent option that can add some crunch and texture to your plate. Overall, classic meat pie accompaniments are a great way to elevate your meal and add some depth and variety to your plate.
Contemporary Side Dish Pairings for Meat Pie
Contemporary Side Dish Pairings for Meat Pie have certainly evolved over the years. There are endless options available now, from healthy salads and vegetable sides to indulgent starches. Gone are the days when steamed peas and carrots were the standard accompaniments to meat pie.
One of the popular contemporary side dishes that go perfectly with meat pie is a refreshing green salad. Complete with crispy lettuce, cucumbers, crunchy radishes, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette, a green salad can help offset the richness of the meat pie. Alternatively, you could try some Hasselback potatoes or buttered green beans as a subtle side to your dish. Other popular choices include baked sweet potatoes, cheesy garlic bread, and roasted root vegetables that can add a crispy texture to your dish and complement the meat in the pie perfectly.
Vegetarian Options to Serve with Meat Pie
For those who prefer vegetarian options, serving meat pie can be a bit tricky. However, there are many delicious vegetarian side dish options that can pair perfectly with this savory dish. One option is to serve a hearty salad that includes a variety of fresh veggies such as lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes. This provides a balanced meal that complements the richness of meat pie perfectly.
Another great option is roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. These vegetables are not only healthy but also pair well with the flavors of meat pie. You can also serve sautéed greens like kale or Swiss chard as a side dish. These vegetables provide a burst of flavor and nutrition that elevates the meat pie experience. With these vegetarian options, you can enjoy meat pie without compromising your dietary preferences.
Salads to Serve with Meat Pie
When it comes to meat pie, salads are a great complement to the rich and savory flavors. Not only do they provide a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor, but they also contribute to a balanced and nutritious meal. There are countless varieties of salads to choose from, each offering its own unique blend of ingredients and dressings.
Some classic options include Caesar salad, Greek salad, mixed greens with vinaigrette dressing, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. These salads can be easily customized with additional toppings such as nuts, cheese, or fruits, depending on your preference. For those looking for a heartier option, consider a pasta salad or potato salad, which can nicely pair with meat pie due to their slightly heavier texture. Whatever your choice may be, a salad is a perfect addition to any meat pie meal.
Best Side Dishes for Meat Pie in Winter
As the temperature drops, we crave heartier side dishes to accompany our comforting meat pie. One of the best side dishes for meat pie in winter is roasted root vegetables. Roast some carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil and seasonings such as rosemary and thyme. The roasted vegetables not only add a pop of color to the plate but also make for a warm and comforting side dish.
Another perfect side dish for meat pie in winter is creamy mashed potatoes. The creamy and buttery mashed potatoes not only add a layer of richness to the meal but also provide a warm and comforting feeling. You can top the mashed potatoes with gravy made from the meat pie or with some crispy fried shallots for added crunch and flavor. These two side dishes are sure to warm your soul and provide the perfect accompaniment to your meat pie on a cold winter night.
Delicious Desserts to Finish Your Meat Pie Meal
After enjoying a hearty meat pie, it’s only natural to crave something sweet to finish off the meal. Luckily, there are countless dessert options that pair beautifully with savory meat pies. One classic option is apple pie, which complements a meat pie with its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and flaky crust. Another fruit-filled dessert that pairs well with meat pies is a blackberry or raspberry crumble. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the meat and pastry, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch.
If you’re looking for something a little more decadent, consider indulging in a chocolate dessert. A warm chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice, as the cold ice cream plays off the warm and gooey brownie. For a lighter option, try a fruit salad with a dollop of whipped cream. The sweetness of the fruit is balanced by the cream, making for a refreshing and satisfying end to your meat pie meal. Regardless of what you choose, a delicious dessert is the perfect way to round out your meat pie experience.
Creative Meat Pie and Side Dish Combos From Around the World
Combining meat pie with delicious side dishes from different cultures can create a unique gastronomic experience. Some creative meat pie and side dish combos from around the world include Irish beef and cheese pie with colcannon (a mashed potato and cabbage dish), Australian meat pie with mushy peas, and South African bobotie (a curried meat pie) with yellow rice and sambal (a spicy relish).
Another interesting combination is British pork pie with piccalilli (a pickled vegetable relish) or chutney. Jamaican beef patty, a type of meat pie, paired with coco bread and a spicy pepper sauce is also a crowd-pleaser. There are countless meat pie and side dish combos to explore, and trying out different cuisines is a fun way to experiment and discover new flavors.
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of side dishes that perfectly complement meat pie, and it all depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a vegetable dish, go for roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or green beans. These dishes balance the richness of the meat pie perfectly and add a healthy component to your meal.
Alternatively, you can opt for starchy sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes. The creaminess of the potatoes blends well with the flavors of the meat pie and offers comfort food at its finest. Whatever side dish you choose to go with meat pie, it is essential to ensure that it complements the dish’s taste and texture to elevate your taste buds to the highest level.