These Forfar Bridies are tasty little hand pies filled with juicy beef and seasoning. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a snack on the go!
Making these pies is a breeze. I love grabbing one for a picnic, and they even taste great cold! Plus, you can pretend you’re in Scotland with every bite! 🥧✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Minced Beef: I recommend using shoulder or chuck for a great flavor and texture. If you prefer, substitute with minced lamb or turkey for a different taste. Some even use meat substitutes if you’re going vegetarian.
Onion: A large onion gives a sweet and savory base to the filling. You could swap it for shallots or scallions for a milder taste. Personally, I enjoy the rich flavor from onion in this recipe.
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry helps save time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own, but that’s a bit more work! If gluten is an issue, look for gluten-free pastry options available in stores.
Herbs: I like adding mixed herbs or thyme to brighten the beef filling, but you can skip them if you prefer a simpler taste. Fresh herbs can also work if you have any on hand!
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Flaky?
The key to a flaky pastry is in how you handle it. Here are some tips:
- Keep your pastry cold before using it; this helps it puff beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t roll the pastry too thin; aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure it holds the filling well.
- Use a gentle touch when sealing the edges to avoid tearing.
- Make those steam slits—this prevents the filling from bursting out while baking!
With these tips, your bridies will turn out light and flaky every time!
Easy Scottish Forfar Bridies Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef (ideally shoulder or chuck)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp mixed herbs or dried thyme (optional)
Puff Pastry:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (approx. 2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for sautéing onions)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure your bridies become beautifully golden and flaky!
2. Cook the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs (if you’re using them). Mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined and ready to go.
4. Prepare the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a large round cutter (around 4 to 5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the pastry.
5. Fill the Pastries:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, making sure to leave a little border around the edge for sealing.
6. Shape the Bridies:
Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges and make sure it’s well sealed.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the bridies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—this will give them a lovely golden color when baked!
8. Make Steam Slits:
Using a small sharp knife, make a few slits in the top of each bridie to let steam escape during baking. This is important to prevent any bursting!
9. Bake:
Place the bridies in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. The smell will be amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bridies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, dig in and enjoy your homemade Scottish Forfar Bridies—delicious flaky hand pies filled with savory beef and onions!
FAQ for Easy Scottish Forfar Bridies Hand Pies
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the raw minced beef with about 1 cup of pre-cooked shredded beef. Just mix it with the sautéed onions and seasonings, and fill the pastry as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can use pie dough or shortcrust pastry as alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture will be different, lacking the flaky layers that puff pastry provides!
How Do I Store Leftover Bridies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Freeze these Bridies?
Absolutely! After assembling and sealing the bridies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be baked from frozen; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
