How to Make Cornish Pasty – A Traditional British Handheld Favourite

--- published by foodie Parmod.

The Cornish pasty is one of Britain’s most iconic regional dishes, originating from Cornwall in the south-west of England. Known for its hearty filling of beef and root vegetables wrapped in a golden, crimped pastry crust, the Cornish pasty is a true comfort food that’s both practical and delicious.

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What Is a Cornish Pasty?

A Cornish pasty is a baked pastry traditionally filled with beef, potato, swede (also known as rutabaga), and onion. It was originally made for Cornish tin miners who needed a durable, portable lunch. The thick crimped edge allowed them to hold the pasty with dirty hands and discard the crust afterwards – clever and practical!

Today, Cornish pasties are enjoyed across the UK, both hot and cold, and are protected by PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This means only pasties made in Cornwall using the traditional recipe can be officially labelled as “Cornish.”

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Ingredients for Traditional Cornish Pasties (Makes 4)

For the pastry:

500g plain flour

120g lard

120g unsalted butter

1 tsp salt

175ml cold water

For the filling:

300g beef skirt or chuck steak, finely diced

200g potato, peeled and diced

150g swede (rutabaga), peeled and diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A knob of butter for each pasty

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How to Make Cornish Pasties – Step-by-Step

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1. Make the Pastry

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Rub in the lard and butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead briefly until smooth, then wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: Traditional Cornish pasty pastry is firm and short – perfect for holding the filling without breaking.

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2. Prepare the Filling

While the pastry chills, finely dice the beef, potato, swede, and onion. Mix everything together in a bowl and season well with salt and black pepper.

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3. Roll and Fill the Pasties

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas Mark 6.

Divide the chilled pastry into 4 equal pieces. Roll each one into a circle about 20cm in diameter.

Place a generous handful of the filling in the centre of each circle, leaving a border around the edge. Top with a small knob of butter.

Fold the pastry over to create a semi-circle, then press the edges together firmly. Crimp the edge by pinching and twisting to seal (this is the iconic Cornish pasty shape!).

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4. Bake the Pasties

Place the pasties on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.

Brush with beaten egg or milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.

Let the pasties cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or cold.

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Serving Suggestions

Cornish pasties are perfect for:

Lunches or snacks

Picnics or packed lunches

Freezing for later – they reheat beautifully in the oven

Pair with a simple salad or some chutney for a delicious light meal.

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Tips for a Perfect Cornish Pasty

Use beef skirt or chuck steak – these cuts are flavourful and tender when cooked slowly.

Don’t cook the filling beforehand – it cooks inside the pastry for maximum flavour.

Crimp properly – traditional Cornish pasties are crimped on the side, not the top.

Season generously – potatoes and swede need enough seasoning to bring out their flavour.

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Variations to Try

Although a traditional Cornish pasty must follow strict rules, at home you can get creative:

Cheese and onion pasty

Chicken and leek pasty

Vegetarian pasty with lentils and root veg

Spicy beef pasty with a touch of chilli or paprika

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A Slice of Cornish Heritage

The Cornish pasty isn’t just food – it’s a piece of British history. Easy to carry, filling, and full of flavour, it’s no wonder this humble pastry has stood the test of time.

Making your own Cornish pasties at home is simple, satisfying, and far tastier than any supermarket version. Give it a go and enjoy a true taste of Cornwall, wherever you are in the world.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making a batch for family lunches or planning a picnic with British flair, Cornish pasties are the ideal make-ahead meal. With their buttery crust and rich filling, they’re sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

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--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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