Unveiling the Secrets of a British Pork Pie: From Pastry to Aspic

The British pork pie has a rich tradition that has captivated food enthusiasts for centuries. There are two distinct styles within the UK:

Two Styles of Pork Pies in the UK

Each style of pork pie—whether traditional or Melton Mowbray—enjoys its unique place in the culinary world. Both are prepared in a similar fashion, but the underlying meat fillings differ slightly.

Traditional Cured Pie

The traditional cured pie uses cured pork meat, which retains a pink hue similar to ham or bacon when cooked. The process of curing not only adds flavor but also enhances the meat's texture and appearance.

Melton Mowbray Pie

In contrast, Melton Mowbray pies utilize raw pork, which cooks along with the pie mixture. The cooked pie typically features a more familiar roast pork color inside. These pies require a higher level of skill due to the intricacies involved in pork cookery, positioning them as a more artisanal offering.

The Three Components of a Pork Pie

Regardless of the style, a British pork pie comprises three core elements: pastry case, meat filling, and aspic jelly.

Pastry Case

The pastry case is crafted from a hot water pastry dough made from:

Hot water Flour Animal fat, such as lard Salt

This dough is stretched and shaped over a wooden cylinder known as a pie dolly. The resulting barrel-shaped case is ready to be filled with the meat filling.

Meat Filling

The meat filling can be either raw or cured pork, finely chopped and seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Each manufacturer and butcher may have their own unique recipe, contributing to the diversity of flavors in this classic dish.

A pastry lid is then crimped over the top, with a hole cut in the center to allow steam to escape. This opening is essential for the next component of the pie.

Aspic Jelly

Upon baking, a hot aspic jelly is poured into the hole cut in the top of the pie. Aspic is a highly concentrated savory pork stock that, due to its high gelatin content, cools and forms a soft jelly. This aspic jelly provides an airtight seal around the cooked meat, dramatically extending its shelf life and making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Serving a British Pork Pie

Pork pies are always served at room temperature, making them an ideal snack or part of a meal. They are a quintessential part of a British outdoor picnic and have also become central to the modern Ploughman’s Lunch, a classic pub dish reflecting the meals eaten by agricultural workers in the fields.

The traditional Ploughman’s Lunch generally includes:

Bread Butter Cheese Ham Vegetables such as onions and celery And, of course, the pork pie

This versatile dish not only carries historical significance but also provides a delightful taste of British countryside living.