Jamie Oliver's Steak Pie: A Hearty Recipe for a Crowd

Jamie Oliver, renowned for his approachable cooking style and focus on fresh ingredients, offers a fantastic take on the classic steak pie. This isn't your average pub grub; it's a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe emphasizes quality ingredients and simple techniques, resulting in a rich, deeply satisfying pie that's sure to impress.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe provides a good starting point; feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences. Remember, using high-quality ingredients is key to Jamie Oliver's approach.

• For the Steak:

  • 1 kg (2 lbs) good quality stewing steak, cut into 2-3cm cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 500ml (17 fl oz) good quality beef stock
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Pastry:

  • 350g (12 oz) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 175g (6 oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 100ml (3.5 fl oz) cold water
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Jamie Oliver's Steak Pie

This section focuses on breaking down the recipe into easily manageable steps, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve excellent results.

Preparing the Steak Filling:

1. Sear the Steak: Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a high heat. Sear the steak cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the steak and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for a minute or two to create a roux. This will thicken the gravy.
4. Add Stock and Herbs: Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the thyme and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Steak: Return the seared steak to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the steak is very tender.

Making the Pastry:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add the cold water, mixing with a knife until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
2. Roll out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the pastry to a circle large enough to line a 20-24cm (8-9 inch) pie dish.
3. Assemble the Pie: Line the pie dish with the pastry. Pour in the cooked steak and gravy filling.
4. Top with Pastry: Roll out the remaining pastry and use it to top the pie. Crimp the edges to seal. You can cut decorative shapes from leftover pastry for added visual appeal.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Jamie Oliver's Steak Pie hot, perhaps with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple green salad. A glass of robust red wine complements this hearty dish perfectly.

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality beef stock for a richer flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the steak; work in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Allow the pastry to chill thoroughly before rolling it out.
• If the pastry starts to shrink during baking, you can use a little water to seal any cracks.

This detailed guide should help you recreate Jamie Oliver's delicious steak pie. Remember to adapt the recipe to your preferences and enjoy the process of creating this satisfying and flavorful dish!