Pasties (Welsh)
Welsh pasties are hearty savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and seasoned with pepper, perfect for a satisfying meal or portable snack, appealing to meat lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together flour, salt, and shortening in a bowl.
- Add milk gradually by teaspoon and mix until the mixture forms a ball.
- Divide the dough into 4 to 6 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- On a floured surface, roll each ball into a square shape to make individual pies.
- Place each square onto a cookie sheet.
- Layer sliced turnips or rutabagas, sausage patties, sliced onion, hamburger patties, and sliced carrots onto the dough squares.
- Dot with butter and sprinkle with pepper.
- Wrap the dough around the filling, pinch the corners to seal.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to one hour until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider chilling the shortening before mixing. You can substitute any ground meat for the sausage and hamburger, like turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage and add extra vegetables. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Make sure to season the filling well, as the crust tends to absorb flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pasties hot from the oven, with a side of Turnip Greens With Sliced Turnips for a classic pairing. They also go well with a simple green salad or a tangy dipping sauce like apple chutney. For a heartier meal, consider a side of mashed potatoes or a warm vegetable medley. These pasties are perfect for a picnic or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but this may result in a softer crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasties (Welsh) contains roughly 897 calories, with 17g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 859mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling. This can save you time on the day you plan to bake the pasties.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or lard for a rich flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used for a dairy-free option, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I freeze pasties before baking?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pasties. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).