Beef, Bacon & Pea Pies

Ingredients

• 500g Our Cow Beef Mince
• 3 - 4 Our Cow Bacon rashers, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbs plain flour, mixed with extra water
• Sea salt & black pepper
• Puff pastry
• Egg, beaten to glaze
• Grated Cheese
• 1 cup Green Split Peas
• 3 Cups Water
• Pinch Bi-Carb Soda.

Method

Step 1
Heat a medium-sized saucepan over a medium-high heat.

Step 2
Add the bacon and onion, cook until the bacon is starting to caramelize.

Step 3
Add the mince, break it up with a spoon & let brown in saucepan. Don't stir too much at this stage, as it allows the meat to brown and retain the juices.

Step 4
Add the garlic, beef stock, sauces and seasonings. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5
Blend flour with extra water, add to mince, bring to the boil as it thickens and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow mince to cool.

Step 6
Line your pie dishes with pastry.

Step 7
Spoon in the cooled mince mixture and add a spoon of grated cheese. Top with pastry, pressing down to seal the edges.

Step 8
Glaze with egg wash then cook in about 190deg oven for 35-40mins until the pastry is golden. Uou can also use a wood stove if you have one. Keeping an even temperature requires some practice and vigilance but the results are truly amazing.

Mushy Peas:

Step 1
Bring to boil and simmer for 35mins or until soft.

Step 2
Add salt to taste after peas are cooked.

*Bi-Carb keeps the peas green and helps them cook quicker. 

@vicki.gowans