Beef and Mushroom Pies featuring Joules Animal Ceramic Plates...

Sun is out , the days are long and the weather is warming up which to me means Picnic time and these little beef and mushroom pies are great for just that.

As these are not made with steak it does take a few hours to cook but the recipe is still really easy, here is how to make them.

Ingredients

400g cubed beef

300g mushrooms, roughly chopped

2 pints of beef stock

sprig or 2 of rosemary

1 large onion, roughly chopped 

1 tsp paprika

salt and pepper

ready made puff pastry

1 egg, beaten

 Method

1. In a large pan fry your onion and brown your meat. Then pour over the stock, chuck in some rosemary and bring to the boil. Once boiled for a few minutes turn down heat to a simmer and leave to cook for about 3 hours. You want the meat to break down and become soft but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't catch or run out of liquid.
2. Once your meat is cooked add your mushrooms, paprika and seasoning and cook for a further 15 minutes or so. You want a slightly thick gravy. If its not you can add a tbsp of gravy powder. Leave to cool for a few minutes.
2. Cut 3 - 4 circles out of your ready rolled pastry, using a bowl as a template and fill half with the beef and mushroom mixture. Fold over and then crimp with a fork.
3. Brush with your egg and season with your salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 - 30 minutes at 160 fan.
4. Once golden and crispy remove from the oven, leave to cool slightly and then wrap ready for your picnic.

I served mine with a few salad leaves and some strawberries but feel free to go wild with what you take along.

These pies are super tasty and juicy thanks to the slow cooking. And the puff pastry gives them a wonderful crispy outside.
They are also great served with some mash and gravy for dinner.

Now I couldn't end this post without directing your attention to the amazing plates. These beauties are from Joules and cost just £8.95 each. They are classed as side plates but are still a good size. My choices are along a woodland theme but you can also get a cow, dog and chicken as well as floral print. They are truly lovely and I can't wait to grow my collection. Matching tea towels and aprons are also available.

If you would like to get your hands on these GORGEOUS side plates you can find them here.

recipe - mine
sponsored