Beef And Mushroom Potpies Recipes

BEEF POT PIES

Steps:

• Melt the butter with the olive oil in a heavy pot. Sear the meat over medium-high heat in batches until brown, 4 to 5 minutes; remove to a plate.
• Add the carrots, celery and shallots and saute until the vegetables start to wilt, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low, add the mustard, garlic and 1 tablespoon of the flour and saute for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the wine, beef broth and 1 cup water. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir. Bring to a boil. Return the browned meat to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons flour with a little water and pour into the stew. Cook and thicken for 10 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets one by one to get rid of the creases. Set a 6- to 8-inch ovensafe skillet upside down on a pastry sheet and cut a circle around it, making it 1/2 inch larger than the dish. Repeat with the remaining 5 skillets using all of the pastry sheets; discard the scraps.
• Put the 6 skillets onto 2 baking sheets and fill the skillets with the cooled beef mixture. Sprinkle over some chopped bacon and 1/2 teaspoon chopped parsley on each.
• Top each skillet with a pastry circle, pressing along the edges to seal. Mix together the egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush each pastry lid with the egg wash. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

LITTLE BEEF & MUSHROOM PIES

Steps:

• Tip the dried mushrooms, bouillon and vinegar into a bowl and pour over 400ml boiling water. Boil the potatoes and celeriac together for 18-20 mins until very tender, then drain and leave to steam-dry. Mash with the white pepper.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep, non-stick frying pan and fry the onions for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until golden. Add the mince and fresh mushrooms and fry for 5-10 mins until the mince is browned. Tip in the dried mushroom mixture and the sage, then half-cover the pan and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Spoon the mixture into four 175ml pie dishes and top with the mash and stilton, if using.
• If eating straightaway, heat the grill to high. Put the pies on a baking tray (in case they bubble over) and grill for 5 mins. To make ahead, leave to cool completely, cover and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until piping hot. Wilt the spinach in a pan or the microwave and cook the peas following pack instructions. Serve the pies with the veg on the side.