Prairie Chill Pie
The Prairie Chill Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that hails from the open fields of the American Midwest. It's a savory pie that combines tender cuts of beef with a medley of fragrant vegetables and a rich, luscious gravy, all encased in a flaky pie crust. This dish is perfect for chilly nights and brings the warmth of classic prairie cooking to your home. The history of Prairie Chill Pie is deeply rooted in pioneering times when settlers dealt with harsh winters and needed hearty meals to sustain them.
Ingredients
- Beef - 1 pound, cut into cubes
- Carrots - 2, sliced
- Onion - 1, chopped
- Potatoes - 2, diced
- Peas - 1 cup
- Flour - 2 tablespoons
- Butter - 3 tablespoons
- Beef broth - 2 cups
- Thyme - 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pie crust - 1 pre-made or homemade
- Egg - 1, beaten
Preparation
To prepare the Prairie Chill Pie, start by browning the beef in a large pan over medium heat. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the butter and cook the onions until they are translucent. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
Cooking Process
Add the browned beef back into the pan along with the beef broth. Stir in the thyme and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the gravy has thickened. Stir in the peas and remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the beef and vegetables mixture into the crust, ensuring it's evenly spread. Cover with the top crust and seal the edges by pinching them together. Brush the crust with the beaten egg to achieve a golden color when baked.
Make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Once the Prairie Chill Pie is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This dish pairs excellently with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the warm and hearty flavors that capture the essence of prairie cooking.