The Rustic Homity Pie Recipe: A Heartwarming British Classic

Nestled in the heart of british countryside traditions, homity pie captures the rustic essence of hearty home cooking.

Farmers and rural families developed this savory pastry as a resourceful meal using simple, available ingredients.

Layers of creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, and tender onions create a comforting dish that speaks to generations of culinary creativity.

Local kitchens across southwest england perfected this delightful recipe over decades of careful preparation.

The combination of buttery crust and rich filling makes this pie a true celebration of rural cuisine.

Crisp pastry and melted cheese invite you to experience a taste of authentic british comfort food.

One bite promises to transport you to a cozy cottage kitchen, where delicious memories are baked with love.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provides the foundation for the flaky pie crust.
• Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Enhances the flavor and adds a subtle heat to the pastry.
• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the pie crust.
• Egg: Helps bind the pastry ingredients together.
• Cold Water: Helps form a cohesive pastry dough.

• Onions, Leeks: Provide a sweet and aromatic base for the pie filling.
• Potatoes: Adds hearty texture and substance to the filling.
• Thyme: Contributes an earthy and herbaceous flavor to the vegetable mixture.
• Spring Onion: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.

• Cream: Creates a rich and smooth consistency in the filling.
• Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element and helps bind the filling together.

Making Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Pastry Dough

Combine wheat flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently work cold butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Create a well in the center and add a beaten egg with cold water. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for half an hour to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 2: Shape and Chill Pastry Crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Carefully transfer the dough to a 20cm pie tin, pressing it gently into the corners and edges. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges. Return the pastry-lined tin to the refrigerator to keep it firm.

Step 3: Create Creamy Vegetable Filling

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, sliced leeks, and fresh thyme leaves until they become soft and translucent. Add diced potatoes and cook covered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a rich, luxurious base for the filling.

Step 4: Enhance Filling with Cheese

Fold in half of the grated cheese and thinly sliced spring onions into the potato mixture. The cheese will add a delightful tangy flavor and creamy texture to the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Homity Pie

Sprinkle a layer of cheese on the bottom of the chilled pastry crust. Carefully pour the potato and vegetable filling into the pie shell. Top the filling with the remaining cheese and spring onions, creating an appetizing golden surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes cutting easier.

Top Tips for Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe

• Boost Pastry Texture: Use cold butter and handle dough minimally to ensure a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect Potato Cooking: Cover the pan while cooking potatoes to steam them gently, creating a creamy, soft texture without burning.
• Cheese Distribution Trick: Sprinkle cheese at the bottom and top of the pie for a delicious cheesy layer throughout each slice.
• Temperature Control: Let the pie rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, preventing crumbly edges.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh thyme adds depth to the filling, but you can swap with other herbs like rosemary or sage for variety.

Swaps and Tweaks for Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour. Use gluten-free pastry mix for a crisp crust that accommodates celiac needs.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil. Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips. Use coconut flour or almond flour for reduced carbohydrate content. Keep the herb and cheese elements intact.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Increase cayenne pepper. Add fresh chili flakes. Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a more intense herbal profile.

What Matches with Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe

• Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the Homity Pie, balancing its buttery pastry and cheesy filling.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pie, helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Herbal Beverage Match: Brew a subtle chamomile or green tea that won't overpower the pie's delicate flavors, offering a soothing accompaniment that enhances the dish's earthy thyme notes.

Store Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe the Right Way

• Store leftover homity pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pie from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on baking sheet. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Avoid overheating to maintain pastry's crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Berry Homity Pie

• What is Homity Pie's origin?

A traditional British vegetarian pie that originated in Devon during World War II, created by land girls and women working on farms who needed hearty, affordable meals.

• Is Homity Pie healthy?

While delicious, it’s relatively high in calories due to butter, cream, and cheese. It provides good nutrients from potatoes, onions, and leeks, offering a balanced vegetable-based meal.

• Can I make Homity Pie gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The taste and texture should remain similar.

Why Mary Berry Homity Pie Recipe Is Comforting

• Craft a Rustic Comfort Meal: Dive into a hearty pie that brings traditional British countryside flavors right to your dinner table, perfect for satisfying hungry families and warming up any gathering.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an approachable recipe that teaches fundamental pastry-making skills, allowing home cooks to build confidence while creating a delicious, professional-looking dish.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Enjoy a flexible recipe that adapts beautifully to different ingredients, making it ideal for using seasonal vegetables and leftover cheese, reducing food waste and keeping meals exciting.
• Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian Option: Celebrate a meat-free recipe packed with rich, creamy textures and deep, savory flavors that will impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, making it perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Homity Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty homity pie delivers British countryside comfort with layers of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and buttery crust. Rustic flavors and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects you to traditional English culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 700 grams (24.7 ounces) floury potatoes
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) plain flour
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) wholemeal flour
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) cheddar, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 spring onions
• 1 tablespoon thyme

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) cold butter
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) double cream
• 1 egg
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) butter
• Pinch cayenne

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Instructions

1. Combine wheat and wholemeal flour with salt and cayenne pepper. Gently incorporate cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Introduce beaten egg and chilled water, kneading into a smooth pastry dough.
2. Refrigerate pastry for 30 minutes to firm up the texture and enhance flakiness.
3. Roll out chilled dough and carefully line a 20cm pie tin, ensuring even coverage. Return to refrigerator to maintain structure.
4. Sauté sliced onions, leeks, and fresh thyme in butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
5. Add diced potatoes to the aromatic vegetable mixture, cover and simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.
6. Pour heavy cream into the potato-vegetable mixture, stirring to create a rich, cohesive filling.
7. Fold half the grated cheese and chopped spring onions into the warm filling, distributing evenly.
8. Sprinkle a layer of cheese across the chilled pastry base before carefully pouring in the vegetable mixture.
9. Top the pie with remaining cheese and spring onions, creating an attractive, golden surface.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for approximately 45 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and filling bubbles.
11. Allow pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help filling set and enhance serving presentation.

Notes

• Customize the flour blend by substituting part whole wheat or gluten-free flour for added nutrition and dietary flexibility.
• Keep pastry cold during preparation to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t become tough or dense.
• Layer cheese strategically throughout the pie to create pockets of melted, gooey goodness in every bite.
• Consider adding crispy bacon or smoked ham for extra protein and depth of flavor if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 534 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg