Steak and kidney pie

What is Steak and kidney pie?

This is a savoury pie from Britain, with a filling made from chunks of beef and kidney, usually mixed with onions and cooked in a rich brown gravy. The mixture is enclosed in pastry, which can cover just the top or line the whole dish. The kidneys used may come from ox, lamb, veal or pork. When baked, the pie has a golden crust and a steaming, savoury interior. The taste is robust and meaty, with the kidney adding a distinctive depth.

Where does Steak and kidney pie come from?

Steak and kidney pie has roots in British cooking, with records of kidney pies in London as early as the 1820s. The combination of steak and kidney together became common later in the 19th century, with the first published recipe appearing in 1859. Originally, kidney pies and steak puddings were more usual, but by the 1870s, steak and kidney pies had become widespread. The dish likely began as a regional specialty before becoming popular across Britain.

How is Steak and kidney pie made?

To prepare steak and kidney pie, diced beef and kidney are combined with onions and cooked in a thick gravy. The filling may be cooked before being placed in the pie, or added raw to bake together. The mixture is then covered with pastry, sometimes lining the whole dish and sometimes just as a lid. Both puff and shortcrust pastry are used. A pie funnel is often placed in the center to keep the crust from sinking.

How and when is Steak and kidney pie eaten?

Steak and kidney pie is typically served hot, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. It is found in British homes, pubs and bakeries, often accompanied by chips (French fries), vegetables, or extra gravy. The pie is enjoyed as a filling main course, especially in colder months. It is eaten with a knife and fork, and sometimes topped with watercress or served on a bed of gravy.

Kinds of Steak and kidney pie

There are many regional styles of steak and kidney pie. In the West Country, cream is sometimes poured into the pie before serving. In the Scottish Highlands, certain versions are seasoned with sauces and vinegar. In East Yorkshire, a related dish uses sliced potatoes instead of kidney. Some areas add mushrooms or oysters to the filling, with the Scottish Musselburgh pie including these extras. The type of kidney used also varies by cook and region.

What Steak and kidney pie means

Steak and kidney pie is a familiar part of British food culture, known by playful nicknames like 'Kate and Sidney pie.' It appears in literature, such as in a P. G. Wodehouse novel, where its appeal causes trouble for a character. The pie is a symbol of traditional British fare, often associated with comfort and home cooking, and remains a staple in pubs and bakeries throughout the country.

Questions people ask about Steak and kidney pie

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Steak and kidney pieBBC, Recipe
• How to cook the perfect steak and kidney puddingThe Guardian, Article

• Steak and kidney pie on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data