Forfar Birdies (Scottish Hand Pies)

There’s something universally comforting about hand pies. Whether it’s the British pasties, Latin American empanadas, or Haitian beef patties, these delicious treats all share the same delightful concept: a savory filling encased in a golden, flaky crust. Today, we’re diving into a Scottish favorite known as Forfar Birdies. With their hearty beef and onion filling, these hand pies are sure to have you reaching for seconds. Named after the town of Forfar in Angus, Scotland, the origin of their quirky name remains a bit of a mystery. However, their rich, homemade flavor is no secret!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious and Hearty: These pies are packed with a flavorful beef and onion filling that satisfies.
• Easy to Make: Using store-bought pastry discs simplifies the process.
• Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack on the go.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Knife
• Fork

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons beef or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 (16 oz) package puff pastry or 1 (14 oz) package empanada baking discs, thawed
• 1 egg white

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 440°F (225°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and beef or vegetable stock. Gently fold in the cold butter cubes.
2. If using puff pastry, roll out the dough and cut it into 6-8 circles, each about 6 inches in diameter. If using empanada discs, skip this step.
3. Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto one half of each pastry circle. Moisten the edge of the pastry with a little water, fold over the other half, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
4. Brush each pie with beaten egg white and cut a couple of small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 32-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Cover with foil halfway through if they brown too quickly.
6. Allow the pies to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Butter: Ensure your butter is cold to create a flaky texture in the pastry.
• Sealing: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking out.
• Foil: Use foil to cover the pies if they are browning too quickly.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Feel free to add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the filling for added flavor.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground lamb or pork can be substituted for beef if you prefer.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I freeze these pies? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

These Forfar Birdies are a delicious nod to Scottish cuisine that you can easily make at home. Their savory filling and flaky crust make them irresistible. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Share your experiences and any creative twists with us in the comments below. Happy baking!