BeefBritish

Cumberland Pie

Name: Cumberland Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 Celery; 1 chopped Onion; 2 large Carrots; 5 Bay Leaves; 3 Thyme; 2 tblsp Vegetable Oil; 1 tablespoon Butter; 2 tablespoons Flour; 2 tblsp Tomato Puree; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce; 2 Beef Stock Cubes; 800g Feather blade beef; 800g Potatoes; 25g Mature Cheddar; 25g Parmesan Cheese

Cumberland Pie is a classic British dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Celery, Onion, Carrots, Bay Leaves, Thyme, Butter, Flour, Tomato Puree, Worcestershire Sauce, Beef Stock Cubes, Feather blade beef, Potatoes, Mature Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. True to traditional British cooking, the dish focuses on satisfying, traditional, and highlighting slow-simmered savory gravies.

In authentic British tradition, Cumberland Pie is best presented with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens.

If you enjoy authentic British cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Beef And Mustard Pie.

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Ingredients

Celery2
Onion1 chopped
Carrots2 large
Bay Leaves5
Thyme3
Vegetable Oil2 tblsp
Butter1 tablespoon
Flour2 tablespoons
Tomato Puree2 tblsp
Worcestershire Sauce2 tablespoons
Beef Stock Cubes2
Feather blade beef800g
Potatoes800g
Mature Cheddar25g
Parmesan Cheese25g

Step-by-Step Instructions

12 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.

Step 2⏱️ 10 mins

Soften the celery, onion, carrots, bay and 1 thyme sprig in a casserole with 1 tbsp oil and the butter for 10 mins.

Step 3🥄 Mix

Stir in the flour, followed by the purée, Worcestershire sauce and stock cubes.

Step 4🍲 Simmer

Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then tip in the beef and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5⏱️ 2 hrs

Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hrs 30 mins, then uncover and cook for 30 mins -1 hr more until the meat is really tender and sauce thickened.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cook potatoes in a pan of boiling water until they’re not done but about ¾ of the way there.

Step 7

Transfer meat to a baking dish.

Step 8🔪 Prep

Slice spuds into 1cm thick rounds and gently toss with seasoning, the remaining oil and thyme leaves.

Step 9

Layer on the beef, scattering with the cheese as you layer.

Step 10

You can cover and chill the pie now for 1 day, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 11🥧 Bake⏱️ 30-40 mins

Increase oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and bake for 30-40 mins until golden and crispy, and sauce bubbling if the dish went in cold.

Step 12✨ Serve

Serve with peas.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Cumberland Pie reflects the timeless heritage of traditional British home cooking, satisfying, traditional, and highlighting slow-simmered savory gravies. Prepared for generations for family gatherings and celebrations, it represents the heart of regional culinary identity.

Dietary Substitutions

For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.

Chef Technique Tips

Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown celery in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.

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