Forfar Bridies Recipe: A Scottish Pastry Delight

Forfar Bridies are a classic Scottish pastry with a rich and savory filling, traditionally filled with beef and onions, encased in flaky pastry. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons beef or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 (16 oz) package puff pastry, or 1 (14 oz) package empanada baking discs, thawed
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 440˚F (225˚C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and stock. Once thoroughly mixed, fold in the small cubes of cold butter. This butter will help create a rich and juicy filling.
3. Prepare the Pastry:
   • If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly and cut it into 6–8 equal circles, each about 6 inches in diameter.
   • For empanada baking discs, you can use them as they are if they are the correct size.
4. Fill and Seal the Bridies:
   • Spoon a generous portion of the filling mixture onto one half of each pastry circle.
   • Lightly wet the edge of one half of the circle with a bit of water. Fold the other half over to cover the filling, forming a semicircle.
   • Press the edges with a fork to seal them, creating a decorative edge and ensuring they stay closed during baking.
5. Bake:
   • Place the bridies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Brush the tops with beaten egg white for a glossy, golden finish.
   • Use a sharp knife to cut a couple of small slits on the top of each bridie to allow steam to escape.
6. Cooking Time:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 32–35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
   • If the bridies begin to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
7. Serve: Allow the bridies to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious, flaky, and flavorful pastries while warm.

These Forfar Bridies make a delightful meal or snack, perfect for any occasion. The rich, buttery crust paired with the savory filling makes this a must-try for lovers of Scottish cuisine!