Medieval meat pies were not just a staple in the diets of the past but also served as a practical food source for survival. These pies were valued for their preservation qualities and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for long-term storage and quick preparation in survival scenarios. To prepare a medieval meat pie, you will need 1.5 lbs of meat (beef, pork, venison, etc.), 1 cup of grated cheese, 1/2 cup of dried fruit, 4 egg yolks, and seasonings like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The meat should be cooked and combined with broth before being used to fill pie shells. Bake the pies at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can use a Dutch oven with coals or fry pasties made from dough circles. These pies can be frozen for later use and are versatile for various temperatures.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make a medieval meat pie, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs of meat (beef, pork, venison, etc.)
– 1 cup of grated cheese
– 1/2 cup of dried fruit
– 4 egg yolks
– Seasonings like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg
First, cook the meat with broth to infuse it with flavor. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the broth and let it cool. Strain the broth and set it aside. Next, mix the cooled meat with the grated cheese, dried fruit, and egg yolks. Add the seasonings and mix thoroughly. This mixture will be used to fill the pie shells.
Pie Shells
For the pie shells, you can use pre-made or homemade pastry. If making your own pastry, combine flour, salt, and butter to form a dough. Roll out the dough and use it to line pie tins. Fill the lined tins with the meat mixture and top with a second layer of dough. Seal the edges and make a few slits in the top layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking and Cooking Methods
Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can use a Dutch oven with coals. Place the pies in the Dutch oven and cover with coals on top and around the sides. This method is ideal for outdoor cooking scenarios. Another option is to fry pasties made from dough circles. Fill the dough circles with the meat mixture and fold them over to seal. Fry the pasties in a pan with a little oil until golden brown.
Preservation and Storage
Medieval meat pies can be frozen for later use. Once baked, allow the pies to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the frozen pie in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Practical Tips
- Use a variety of meats to add different flavors and textures to the pies.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and dried fruit to create unique flavor combinations.
- For outdoor cooking, use a Dutch oven with coals for a more authentic medieval cooking experience.
- Consider making pasties for a portable meal option.
- Store the pies in the freezer for long-term storage.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the meat can result in a dry and tough pie.
- Not sealing the edges properly can lead to the filling spilling out during baking.
- Using too much seasoning can overpower the other flavors in the pie.
- Failing to cool the meat before mixing it with the other ingredients can cause the filling to become too runny.
Medieval meat pies are not only a delicious and hearty meal but also a practical survival food. With their preservation qualities and versatility in cooking methods, they are an excellent addition to any survival food plan.