Pies > British Pies > Forcemeat Pies

Forcemeat and Spinach Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 1 pie crust

Special Equipment Needed:
- Food processor
- 9-inch pie dish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a food processor, combine the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until well combined.

3. In a large skillet, sauté the spinach until wilted. Drain off any excess liquid.

4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.

5. Spread half of the forcemeat mixture in the bottom of the pie crust.

6. Top with the sautéed spinach.

7. Spread the remaining forcemeat mixture over the spinach.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and cooked through.

9. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 810mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 31g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground pork and beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Swiss or cheddar cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.

Variations:
- Add diced mushrooms to the forcemeat mixture.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese.
- Add diced tomatoes to the spinach layer.
- Use a different type of ground meat, such as lamb or veal.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to drain off any excess liquid from the spinach to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.
- If the pie crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Storage Instructions:
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pie on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley

Pairings:
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Steamed rice
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pie is too watery, try draining off more liquid from the spinach or using less milk in the forcemeat mixture.
- If the pie is not cooked through, bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that the meat is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
Forcemeat pies have been a popular dish in Europe since the Middle Ages. They were often made with a combination of meat, spices, and vegetables, and were a staple of the medieval diet.

Flavor Profiles:
This pie has a savory and slightly spicy flavor, with hints of nutmeg and allspice.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this pie as a main course for dinner or as a hearty lunch.

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Taste: Savory, Herby, Rich, Meaty, Earthy