Pork Pies have been around for centuries – in fact the first recorded recipe for a pork pie was 1390 in the kitchen of the Court of King Richard and today’s pork pie is still a direct descendent of the medieval pie tradition.
More recently the pork pie has been elevated from a furtive snack and has been reclaimed as a good food to be eaten as a treat or indeed part of a meal.
They are most commonly made in the Midlands and there is also a very strong tradition in Yorkshire.
So, we’ve been eating pork pies for centuries but how can we enjoy that perfect pork pie moment a little more in this day and age?
Steven Waterall from the butchers, Waterall Bros Ltd in Sheffield, who hand-make over 200,000 pork pies a year, shares with us 5 different ways to enjoy a pork pie!
A Pie and a Pint
Craft beer pubs and micro breweries are becoming more and more popular and many of these pubs want to serve good uncomplicated food that complements the beer. Hence the popularity of a “Pie and Pint. “People love the satisfying combination of a pork pie and a craft beer” says Steven “infact we even supply one local pub with a pork pie using one of their craft beers as an ingredient”.
Pie with Pickles, Sauces and Relishes
Whether it’s brown sauce, Branston Pickle or Hendersons Relish – a pickle, sauce or relish is the perfect simple accompaniment to a pork pie. Did you know that over half of Brits say the perfect picnic wouldn’t be complete without pork pies? So next time you’re planning a picnic – a pie and relish could be the answer!
Wedding Cake Pies
Did you know nowadays only 18% of married couples opt for the traditional fruit cake? Wedding Cakes made out of pork pies are becoming more and more popular as couples look for something a bit different to wow their guests with.
Pie and Mushy Peas
This is a traditional Yorkshire recipe where the pork pie is served hot and then covered with a layer or mushy peas and mint sauce – a real favourite around Bonfire Night. Pie and Pea shops and stalls used to be a common site on Yorkshire streets and markets, but now this combo is more often served in cafes.
Pie for Breakfast
This may sound odd to some of you – but when you think of the traditional continental breakfast of cold meats – why not have a pork pie for breakfast? It originates from a custom in Victorian times in Nottinghamshire, as the family of the author D H Lawrence always had Pork Pie for breakfast on Christmas Morning. This is still a tradition that many families follow in the Midlands. Either with pickled onions – or a glass of Bucks Fizz!!
