Recipe: Paul’s Proper Pork Pies

We love the sweet treats whipped up on the Great British Bake Off, but cakes aren’t the only delicious item on the menu. As fans of the show will know only too well, there's no end to the savoury snacks available to keen bakers.

Read on to find out how to make some gorgeous pork pies in the style of Paul Hollywood!

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour, 40 mins

Serves: 6

Category: Pies & Pastries,Lunch

Ingredients

• 325g minced pork
• 75g unsmoked bacon (finely chopped)
• Half an onion (chopped)
• Sage (a small bunch, chopped)
• Nutmeg (a pinch)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 265g plain flour
• 55g bread flour
• 55g butter
• 65g lard
• 1 egg

Method

1. Make sure your oven is preheated to 190° celsius or Gas Mark 5.

2. In the first mixing bowl, mix the minced pork, bacon, herbs and spices and onion, and season with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 6.

3. In the second mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and the bread flour and then rub in the butter between your fingers until the mixture is breadcrumb-like.

4. Melt the lard in a saucepan and season with a pinch of salt, bringing it to the boil.

5. Pour the hot lard over the flour and butter in the bowl and mix thoroughly.

6. Once it’s cool enough, knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth, then form it into a ball and let it sit.

7. Once it’s cooled a little more, divide the dough into one larger and one smaller piece. 

8. Using more flour to prevent sticking, roll out the large piece of dough to be 3mm thick.

9. Cut out six circles using the larger cutter and push each one gently into their own muffin cup in the pan.

10. Repeat the last two steps with the smaller piece of dough, using the smaller cutter. These are the “lids”.

11. Cut a couple of small slots in the middle of each lid to help steam escape while cooking.

12. Fill each pie with the pork mixture, then brush the rims with mixed egg to help seal the lids.

13. Place the lids on top and squeeze around the edges gently so they hold themselves closed.

14. Brush each lid with more egg wash.

15. Place the pies in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. 

16. Remove the pies from the oven when baked, leave to cool and brush the sides with more egg wash. Place the pies on your baking sheet and return them to the oven for 10 minutes.

The full recipe can also be found over at The Great British Bake Off.