Cumberland Pie Recipes

BEEF, LEEK & SWEDE CUMBERLAND PIE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the leek whites, carrot and celery in a flameproof casserole dish with the butter, oil and a pinch of salt, and soften, without colouring, over a gentle heat.
• Meanwhile, brown the mince in a non-stick frying pan. Cook in batches to keep it brown and avoid it going grey and soggy. If you've used a lean mince, you may need to add a drop of oil. Break up the mince well with a wooden spoon as you go.
• When the veg is soft, stir in the bacon lardons, turn up the heat a little and cook until everything is golden. Stir in the mince, followed by the flour, 3 thyme sprigs, Worcestershire sauce and Marmite. Gradually stir in the stock and bring everything to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hrs until the sauce is thickened and rich, and the beef tender, removing the lid and stirring in the leek greens halfway through.
• While the beef bakes, put the swede and potato into two separate pans. Cover with cold water, bring to the boil, then simmer until tender - about 20 mins. Drain both well, then tip back into their pans over a low heat to steam-dry for a few mins. When both (but particularly the swede) look dry, combine them in one pan with the butter, milk, nutmeg and lots of seasoning. Mash until smooth.
• Transfer the mince to individual dishes or one baking dish (or leave in the casserole if you prefer, discarding the thyme sprigs). Cover with the mash, using a fork to fluff up the top. Rub the cheddar into the breadcrumbs with the leaves from the remaining thyme sprigs and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the mash, dot with small knobs of butter, then increase the temperature to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and bake for 30 mins until golden and crisp on top. Can be made ahead and chilled, or frozen and defrosted. Bake for an extra 10-15 mins until the sauce is bubbling.

CUMBERLAND PIE

Steps:

• Cook the beef in the 1 tsp of bacon fat over medium heat until half cooked.
• Add the onion, carrot, mushrooms and the celery coated in the flour.
• Saute until the veggies are just beginning to soften.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and add the beef broth, Worcestershire, marmite, pepper and tarragon. Mix well.
• Put a lid on the pan; simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bacon.
• Meanwhile mash the potatoes with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
• Add salt and pepper and a bit of butter is you wish.
• Transfer the meat mixture to a 4-cup casserole dish.
• Spread or pipe the potatoes over top.
• Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and a bit of paprika.
• Broil until the cheese is bubbly and the top is brown.
• Serve with salad and crusty rolls for an easy supper.

CRISPY TOPPED CUMBERLAND PIE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Soften the celery, onion, carrots, bay and 1 thyme sprig in a casserole with 1 tbsp oil and the butter for 10 mins. Stir in the flour, followed by the purée, Worcestershire sauce and stock cubes.
• Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then tip in the beef and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hrs 30 mins, then uncover and cook for 30 mins -1 hr more until the meat is really tender and sauce thickened.
• Meanwhile, cook potatoes in a pan of boiling water until they're not done but about ¾ of the way there.
• Transfer meat to a baking dish. Slice spuds into 1cm thick rounds and gently toss with seasoning, the remaining oil and thyme leaves. Layer on the beef, scattering with the cheese as you layer. You can cover and chill the pie now for 1 day, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Increase oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and bake for 30-40 mins until golden and crispy, and sauce bubbling if the dish went in cold. Serve with peas.