Traditional Golden Pie

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) beef or lamb, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

Sauté the Meat:

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced beef or lamb and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Add the diced carrots and potatoes, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

• Return the browned meat to the skillet.
• Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour (optional) for thickening. Mix everything together well.

Add Broth and Simmer:

• Pour in 2 cups of broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
• Let the filling simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
• Stir in 1 cup of peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Pastry:

Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1 tsp salt.
• Add 1 cup of cold, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Water:

• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. You may need between 1/4 to 1/2 cup.

Chill the Dough:

• Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pie:

Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll Out Dough:

• On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to fit your pie dish.
• Place the rolled dough into the dish, pressing gently to fit the edges.

Add the Filling:

• Spoon the cooled meat and vegetable filling into the pastry-lined pie dish.

Top Crust:

• Roll out the second disk of dough and lay it over the filling.
• Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.

Vent and Brush:

• Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
• Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.

4. Bake the Pie:

Bake:

• Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Cool:

• Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your traditional, flaky, and golden pie filled with deliciously tender meat and vegetables!