This hearty meat pie features a sturdy, golden crust that's perfect for holding a rich, savory filling. It's a comforting classic that’s great for sharing with family and friends on a cozy evening.
Start by melting the lard in a large microwave-safe bowl—about 30 seconds to a minute should do. Once melted, carefully stir in the boiling water. In another big bowl, mix the flour and salt together, then make a well in the center and pour in your lard mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything until it comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a couple of minutes. Roll out about three-quarters of the dough into a circle roughly a third of an inch thick, then press it into a 10-inch springform pan, making sure it goes up the sides. Roll out the remaining dough the same way to make the pie’s top crust. Pop both the base and the top crust into the freezer for about 10 minutes so they firm up.
While the dough chills, mix together all your meats, onion, herbs, and spices in a large bowl until you get a nice, sticky paste. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pastry base with streaky bacon, then press in half of the meat mixture. Layer a few more strips of bacon on top before adding the rest of the meat, and finish with the remaining bacon.
Brush the edges of the pastry with a little milk, place the top crust on, and pinch the edges to seal everything in. Give the top a milk wash and cut a couple of slits to let steam escape. Bake the pie for an hour, then turn the oven down to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking until a thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) in the center—this will take about another hour. Let the pie cool completely before taking it out of the pan.
- Use hot water to melt the fat completely before mixing to achieve a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough well before rolling to make it easier to handle and shape.
- Blind bake the crust slightly if you want to prevent it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
This pie has a wonderfully crisp and sturdy crust that holds rich, savory fillings perfectly. Its rustic texture and hearty flavor make it a comforting meal for any season. Plus, it’s a classic dish that brings a sense of tradition to your table.
Serve warm with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered peas for a traditional meal. A fresh green salad or pickled vegetables can add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Allow the pie to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
