Bulgarian-Style Cornish Pasty

Ingredients

In this Bulgarian adaptation of the Cornish Pasty, we incorporate Bulgarian spices and herbs to infuse the filling with the unique flavors of Bulgaria. Additionally, we use locally sourced beef and vegetables commonly found in Bulgarian cuisine to give the dish an authentic Bulgarian touch. We alse have the original recipe for Cornish Pasty, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, diced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried savory 1 teaspoon dried savory
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the potatoes and carrots, followed by the paprika, dried thyme, dried savory, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into circles or rectangles, depending on your preference.
6. 6.
   Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture onto one half of each pastry shape, leaving a border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
8. 8.
   Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for the best results.
• Paprika — Opt for sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference for a mild or smoky flavor.
• Puff pastry — If you prefer a homemade version, you can make your own puff pastry or use store-bought for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
• Add a sprinkle of Bulgarian feta cheese to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the pasties warm with a dollop of Bulgarian yogurt on the side for a traditional Bulgarian touch.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• These pasties can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Bulgarian-style Cornish Pasties as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as a portable snack or picnic food.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pasties on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, to enhance their visual appeal. Serve them warm to showcase their golden, flaky crust.