Forfar Birdies Scottish Hand Pies
Forfar Birdies Scottish Hand Pies. Are a delightful treat. That perfectly combines a savory filling of ground beef and onions. And a touch of mustard. All enveloped in a golden, flaky pastry. The first time I made these hand pies. My family couldn’t wait to dig in. The kitchen was filled. With the irresistible aroma of baking pastry. And savory meat. Making everyone eager for a taste. These hand pies are not only delicious. But also incredibly satisfying. With a perfect balance of flavors. And textures. The flaky crust. And rich filling. Make them a hit at any gathering. Or as a comforting snack at home.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsps salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps beef or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 16 ounces package puff pastry or 1 (14 ounces) package empanada baking discs, thawed
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 440°F.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and beef stock. Gently fold in the cold, cubed butter. This step always fills the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 6-inch circles, or use pre-cut empanada discs if you have them.
- Assemble the Pies: Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each pastry circle. Wet the edge with a little water. Fold it over to cover the filling. And press the edges with a fork to seal them. It’s like crafting delicious little packages!
- Brush and Vent: Brush the tops with beaten egg white for a shiny finish. Make a couple of small slits on top to let the steam escape while baking.
- Bake: Arrange the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 32-35 minutes. Until the pastry is golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through. I love peeking into the oven to see them puff up and turn golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pies cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm and savor the deliciousness!
Notes
To make Forfar Birdies gluten-free. Simply substitute the puff pastry. Or empanada discs. With a gluten-free version. Ensure that the beef stock and Dijon mustard. Are also gluten-free. As some brands may contain gluten. You can find gluten-free puff pastry. At specialty stores. Or make your own. Using a gluten-free flour blend. Follow the same instructions. Keeping in mind. That gluten-free pastry dough. Can be a bit more delicate. So handle it gently. The result will be just as delicious. With a flaky, savory crust. That everyone can enjoy.