Forfar Bridie

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water
• 1 lb (450g) minced beef 1 lb (450g) minced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) suet 1/4 cup (30g) suet
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 28g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the minced beef, chopped onion, suet, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles approximately 6 inches in diameter.
6. 6.
   Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
8. 8.
   Place the bridies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
10. 10.
    Serve the Forfar Bridies hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced beef — Choose lean minced beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also mix in some ground pork for added flavor.
• Suet — If suet is not available, you can substitute it with chilled grated butter for a similar texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Forfar Bridies with a side of pickles or chutney for added tanginess.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the minced beef with a mixture of mushrooms and lentils.
• Make a larger batch of Forfar Bridies and freeze the extras for a quick and convenient meal option.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

For a complete meal, serve the Forfar Bridies with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Forfar Bridies on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown crust and crimped edges. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an added touch of elegance.