Image by Annie Spratt

Pastie

The pastie is a delectable annal of British history, and its modern-day manifestation is an excellent example of culinary ingenuity.

Pastie


A pastie is essentially a pastry filled with potatoes, onions and mince, which is then wrapped in a pastry shell and baked until golden brown. The history of this dish dates back centuries to Cornwall, a county of England. At the time, the miners who lived in the area worked long hours, and needed something to eat that could be easily transported and eaten on the job. The pastie provided these miners with a convenient, portable and nutritious meal that could easily be prepared in advance and taken with them each day.

Over the years, the pastie has evolved into a beloved national dish, as different parts of the United Kingdom continue to offer their own regional variations. From Lincolnshire, where the pastie is filled with pork and sage; to Scotland, where they are filled with beef and vegetables; to Northern Ireland, where they are filled with spiced lamb; to Wales, where they are filled with vegetables and cheese; the pastie is an incredibly versatile dish.

Today, the pastie is a popular dish found in pubs, cafés and restaurants throughout the UK. It is also often served as part of traditional English afternoon tea, as it is ideal for pairing with a pot of hearty tea.

When made correctly, the pastie is an incredible dish. Its flaky, buttery pastry encases a succulent mix of vegetables and meat, creating a combination of flavours that is heavenly. And, because of its portability and convenience, the pastie is a perfect snack for those looking for a tasty yet relatively healthy treat.

If you’ve never experienced a pastie before, I highly recommend you give it a try. You won’t regret it!

The origin of Pastie

Ah, pasties. Those delicious pastry dishes that are so widely popular across the world. But have you ever stopped to consider the origin of this beloved food? It's actually a long and interesting story.

A long time ago, during the 13th century in England, local laborers began bringing meat, potatoes, and other ingredients wrapped up in a pastry crust to their work sites as a way to enjoy a warm meal. As the tradition continued, the pastie became a staple for the working class, who value its convenience and affordability. But what about the word 'pastie'? As it turns out, the term may have originated from an old Cornish word, 'pasty', which means a type of bread roll.

As the pastie grew in popularity, it began to appear in a variety of different forms, ranging from savory to sweet and even vegetarian. This versatility allowed it to gain an international reputation, transcending nations and languages. The pastie even made its way to the United States, where it quickly caught on in the southeastern states.

Today, the global love affair with the pastie remains strong, with varieties such as the Cornish Pasty and the Irish-style Potato and Onion Pastie proving especially popular. And while the pastie has changed over the centuries, its status as a convenient and affordable meal remains the same.

So the next time you sit down to enjoy a warm and tasty pastie, take a few moments to reflect on its centuries-long journey and the people who have enjoyed it over the years. You'll be glad you did.

FAQs about Pastie

Is it a pastie or pasty?

Both spellings are correct. Pasty is the more common spelling in the United States, while pastie is more popular in other countries.


What are pasties in America?

In America, pasties are usually small, hand-held pies filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables. The crust is usually made from a dough similar in texture to pie crust. Traditionally, they were popular in the upper Great Lakes region in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in places like Michigan and Wisconsin.


What are pasties made of?

Pasties are typically made of pastry dough and filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.


What does pasty mean in slang?

Pasty (slang) is a term referring to someone who is pale and lacking a healthy complexion. It can also refer to someone who is timid, shy and withdrawn.


What is a pastie?

A pastie is a type of savory pastry made with shortcrust pastry and filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and cheese. It is typically associated with northern England, Scotland, and the Upper Midwest of the United States.


What is in a Belfast pastie?

A Belfast pastie typically consists of diced potatoes, steak, onion, carrots, and gravy all wrapped in a pastry crust.


Why is it called a pastie?

The word "pastie" is derived from the Latin word "pasteus" which means "pie crust." The origin of the pastie dates back to Medieval times when it was a small pie without a top crust that was filled with meat and vegetables. Pasties were popular among miners because they could be easily transported and it was a convenient way to bring a hot meal with them to work.


Types of Pastie

The Pastie is a dish that has been around for centuries, but its popularity has never waned. A pastie is a type of pastry commonly filled with savory ingredients, such as steak and potatoes, chicken and kidney beans, or fish and vegetables. It is simple, hearty and delicious.

A pastie is typically formed in a semicircle and crimped around the edges. This allows the filling to be securely held within the pastry without spilling out. The crust can be made from a variety of flours, from white to whole wheat to spelt, and most often either butter or vegetable shortening is used. The interior of the pastie is often seasoned with salt, pepper and various herbs and spices before it is filled and baked.

One of the most popular varieties of the pastie is the Cornish pastie, which originated in Cornwall, England. The standard ingredients for a traditional Cornish pastie are steak, potato, onion and turnip, all cooked together to create a flavorful and comforting bite. Most people also add a sprinkling of cheddar cheese on top. The Cornish pastie is so beloved it has been granted Protected Geographical Status by the European Union, ensuring that only those prepared in Cornwall may be labeled “Cornish pasties.”

The Michigan pastie is another beloved version of the dish. It is similar to the Cornish pastie, but instead of beef the filling contains ground pork or veal, with potatoes, onion and carrots inside. In Michigan, pasties are especially popular along its Upper Peninsula, where they have become a part of the local culture. Here, they are easily found in restaurants, grocery stores and even gas stations.

The English pastie is also a popular variety, particularly in Yorkshire, England. Unlike the Cornish and Michigan pasties, the English pastie does not contain any beef and instead is filled with mushrooms, onions, carrots and potatoes. The pastry dough of the English pastie is usually thicker and more like a pie crust than the thin and flaky dough of the Cornish pastie.

No matter which type of pastie you choose, it is sure to be delicious. Whether you make your own from scratch or purchase them from a local bakery, these hearty treats are sure to satisfy your cravings.