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Stargazy Pie

Stargazy Pie recipe image
Stargazy Pie is a legendary dish from the coastal village of Mousehole, Cornwall, traditionally made to celebrate St. Andrew's Day. This savory pie features whole herrings baked with their heads poking through the pastry crust, resembling fish gazing at the stars. The filling is rich and creamy, combining the distinct flavor of the fish with hard-boiled eggs, onions, and streaky bacon in a white sauce. It is a hearty, rustic meal that offers a unique texture and deep, savory taste, perfect for a curious dinner party or for anyone looking to try a historic culinary tradition.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8
Calories: 450
Dietary: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Stargazy Pie is a legendary dish from the coastal village of Mousehole, Cornwall, traditionally made to celebrate St. Andrew's Day. This savory pie features whole herrings baked with their heads poking through the pastry crust, resembling fish gazing at the stars. The filling is rich and creamy, combining the distinct flavor of the fish with hard-boiled eggs, onions, and streaky bacon in a white sauce. It is a hearty, rustic meal that offers a unique texture and deep, savory taste, perfect for a curious dinner party or for anyone looking to try a historic culinary tradition.
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon Butter
  • 8 medium Herrings, cleaned
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 1/2 tablespoon Prepared English mustard
  • 8 oz Shortcrust pastry
  • 4 eggs Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
  • 4 slices Streaky bacon, rinds removed & finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dried mixed herbs
  • 4 fl oz Double cream
  • 1 egg Lightly beaten
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 400 F (204°C).
  2. 2
    Grease a 10" pie dish with the butter and set aside.
  3. 3
    Season the herrings inside and out with the salt and pepper.
  4. 4
    Spread a teaspoon of mustard over the inside of each fish and set aside.
  5. 5
    On a floured surface, roll out the pastry until it is one inch larger than the top of the pie dish.
  6. 6
    With a knife, trim the edges and cut a 1/2 inch strip around the dough.
  7. 7
    Dampen the rim of the dish with water and press the dough strip onto the rim. Set aside.
  8. 8
    Place the sliced hard-boiled eggs on the bottom of the prepared dish.
  9. 9
    Lay the fish over the eggs, with the tails pointing towards the middle and the heads overlapping the edge of the dish.
  10. 10
    Sprinkle over the chopped onions, bacon, and mixed herbs.
  11. 11
    Pour the cream over the filling.
  12. 12
    With a pastry brush dipped in water, lightly moisten the strip of dough around the rim of the dish.
  13. 13
    Using a rolling pin, lift the main sheet of dough onto the dish.
  14. 14
    Carefully seal the dough around the fish heads, ensuring they poke through.
  15. 15
    With a sharp knife, cut a fairly large cross in the center of the dough.
  16. 16
    With a pastry brush, coat the surface of the dough with the beaten egg.
  17. 17
    Roll out the dough trimmings and use them to make decorations for the top of the pie.
  18. 18
    Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
  19. 19
    Remove the pie from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 150mg50%
Sodium 400mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: stargazy pie, cornish, fish pie, herring, pastry, british, traditional, mousehole, st andrews day, seafood, shortcrust, bacon, onion, cream, eggs, mustard, herbs, baking, dinner, historical
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/stargazy-pie/