Forfar Bridies are a must-try for any lover of Scottish cuisine. These adorable little meat pies in a horseshoe shape delight the tastebuds with their flaky, buttery crust and savory beef filling. Just one bite will have you craving more of their incredible flavors!
Where Can You Find These Delicious Bridies?
While similar to a Cornish pasty, what sets the Forfar Bridie apart is where it hails from. The town of Forfar in Angus County Scotland claims to be the home of this delightful pie. As legend goes, a baker named Mr. Jolly began selling them in his shop along Back Wynd (now called Queen Street) in the late 1800s.
Another fun origin tale is Maggie Bridie of Glamis earned fame for dishing out tasty Bridies at local fairs. Whether Mr. Jolly took inspiration from Maggie or not, Forfar Bridies took on a life of their own as a local specialty. Now you can find them in bakeries across Scotland!
Why Are They Shaped Like Horseshoes?
No one quite knows why Forfar Bridies look like miniature horseshoes! One superstition says serving Bridies at weddings brings newlyweds good luck. Perhaps their lucky horseshoe shape helped solidify that myth?
Either way, the distinctive Forfar Bridie form only adds to this pastry’s quirky charm. It makes them perfect for grabbing and eating on the go as you explore Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. Plus, the fluted edges give the outside a cute decorative touch!
What Are Forfar Bridies Made Of?
While modern versions use puff pastry for a light and flaky crust, traditionally the crust featured shortcrust pastry. Inside you’ll find a simple seasoned beef filling featuring minced meat and onions. Suet or butter lend richness and moisture for a mouthwatering taste and texture.
Some versions add spices like mustard powder or even Worcestershire sauce for a flavor boost! While untraditional, you could also switch out beef for an equal amount of ground turkey or chicken. Either way, the filling packs a meaty, savory punch between two pillow-soft layers of pastry.
How to Avoid a Soggy Pie Bottom
There’s nothing quite as tragic as biting into an incredible pie only to discover a sad soggy bottom! Luckily, avoiding this fate for your Forfar Bridies is simple.
Start by pre-heating your baking sheet before placing the raw Bridies on to cook. This helps the bottoms crisp right away so moisture can’t seep in. Venting the top with a hole also gives steam a handy escape route. Finally, replace any parchment paper used that got wet during cooking for the last 5-10 minutes.
With these tips, your Bridies will achieve pie nirvana with flaky tops and crips, golden-brown bottoms!
Bring the Magic of Forfar Home!
Forfar Bridies bring a taste of Scotland no matter where you live! Their cute shape, crispy crust, and peppery filling make an irresistible anytime treat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and fall in love with Scotland’s charm in each tasty bite. Just be careful – they go fast! Before you know it, you’ll be begging for more. Luckliy whipping up a fresh batch is crazy easy. Now get to baking and let these little Bridies cast their spell over you!
Forfar Bridies Recipe
Yield: Serves 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 500g Lean Beef Mince (approximately 1lb)
- 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
- 40g Butter (approximately 1.5oz) or shredded suet
- 1 Egg, beaten
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Mustard Powder
- 3 tbsp Beef Stock
- 2 sheets Pre-rolled Pastry (shortcrust or puff), totaling 375g per pack
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F, gas mark 4).
- Place a baking tray with parchment paper in the oven to heat.
- Combine minced beef, onion, butter, mustard powder, and beef stock in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Cut each pastry sheet in half to create four sections, then shape each into an oval.
- Place a quarter of the filling mixture on one side of each oval.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg, fold over the filling, and seal by pressing the edges together.
- Decorate the edge with fork marks and cut a small hole on top for steam release.
- Apply egg wash to the top and bottom of each bridie.
- Place the bridies on the preheated baking tray and bake for 45-55 minutes, covering with foil if they brown too quickly.
Note: While this recipe adheres to traditional Forfar Bridie preparation, feel free to experiment with different fillings. To prevent soggy pastry, preheat the tray and drain any excess liquid during cooking.
Enjoy this delicious slice of Scottish heritage, perfect for a hearty meal or a festive gathering!
