Corned beef pie facts for kids
Corned beef pie (left), served with cheddar soup and a salad
|
|
| Type | Savoury pie |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Serving temperature | Hot or cold |
| Main ingredients | Corned beef, onion, potatoes |
Corned beef pie is a tasty dish made with corned beef, onions, and often potatoes. It's a type of savoury pie, which means it's not sweet like an apple pie. You can enjoy it either hot or cold, making it a great choice for a picnic or a warm meal on a chilly day.
The corned beef used in the pie can be leftover from a big dinner or come from a tin, sometimes called "Bully beef." This pie can have a topping of mashed potatoes, similar to a Shepherd's pie, or it can have a traditional pastry crust on top and bottom.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
What is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a type of beef that has been cured. This means it's treated with salt and other ingredients to preserve it. The word "corned" comes from the large grains of salt, called "corns" of salt, that were used in the curing process.
This method of preserving meat has been around for a very long time. It was especially useful before refrigerators were common. Curing meat helped it last longer, which was important for long journeys or when food was scarce.
How Corned Beef is Made
To make corned beef, cuts of beef are soaked in a brine. Brine is a solution of water, salt, and often spices. Sometimes, a curing salt called sodium nitrite is also added. This gives corned beef its famous pink color.
After curing, the beef is usually cooked slowly. It becomes very tender and flavorful. This makes it perfect for slicing or shredding into dishes like corned beef pie.
Making a Corned Beef Pie
Corned beef pie is quite simple to make. It usually starts with cooked corned beef. This meat is often mixed with chopped onions. Sometimes, other vegetables like carrots or peas are added too.
The potatoes can be sliced thinly, cut into cubes, or mashed. They are a key ingredient that makes the pie filling hearty. All these ingredients are then placed inside a pie crust.
Different Toppings
There are two main ways to top a corned beef pie:
- Pastry crust: This is like a traditional pie. The filling is covered with a layer of pastry. The pastry gets golden and flaky when baked.
- Mashed potato topping: This version is similar to a Shepherd's pie. A creamy layer of mashed potatoes covers the meat and vegetable filling. The top of the mashed potatoes can be browned in the oven.
Why Corned Beef Pie is Popular
Corned beef pie is a popular dish in many places, especially in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Its popularity comes from several reasons.
First, it's a very filling and satisfying meal. The combination of meat and potatoes makes it a hearty dish. It's great for keeping you warm on a cold day.
Second, it's very versatile. Because it can be eaten hot or cold, it's perfect for different occasions. People often take cold slices of corned beef pie on picnics or for packed lunches.
A Comfort Food
For many, corned beef pie is a type of "comfort food." This means it's a dish that brings feelings of warmth, happiness, and nostalgia. It might remind people of home-cooked meals or family gatherings.
It's also an economical dish. Corned beef, especially tinned varieties, can be an affordable source of protein. This makes the pie a budget-friendly meal option for families.
History of the Pie
Pies have been a part of cooking for centuries. They were a practical way to use up leftovers and to make food portable. Meat pies, in particular, were common in medieval times.
Corned beef became widely available in the 19th century. This was thanks to new ways of preserving meat. It was often used by armies and navies because it could be stored for a long time.
As corned beef became more common, people started using it in everyday cooking. Combining it with potatoes and pastry was a natural fit. This led to the creation of the corned beef pie we know today. It became a staple in many working-class homes.
