| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 410 | 19g | 5g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 6g | 9g | 0.95g |
Why I Love British Vegan Cornish Pasty
The magic of the Vegan Cornish Pasty struck me one blustery evening on a quick sojourn to London’s East End. I was nestled into a cozy, hole-in-the-wall bakery, escaping the biting winter chill, and this humble pastry — browned to perfection and steamy warm — was my succor. It’s been a mission of mine ever since to recreate that warmth, that sense of home, right here in the Big Apple.
A Flavorful Tribute To Traditional British Baking
What’s not to love about the Vegan Cornish Pasty? Hot, flaky and filled to brimming with delicious veggies and spices – it’s a plant-based masterpiece. A crucial part of the love I feel for this creation stems from its roots in traditional British baking – a food culture I hold in high regard for their use of simple, wholesome ingredients. It reminds me a bit of a culinary play, full of engaging characters, enticing aromas and a captivating storyline. Much like stepping onto the stage, the moment when the pasty crust yields to your bite, revealing the treasure of flavors inside, is pure culinary drama.
A Connection To My Own Story
My work, be it on stage or in the kitchen, is deeply rooted in storytelling and connections. Much like the diverse characters I portray, recipes such as the Vegan Cornish Pasty reflect the myriad of influences and cultures that color my home city, New York. This particular recipe, with its vegan tweak, captures the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving culinary scene.
Even though a transatlantic trip inspired this unique dish, the recipe allows me to bring a bit of British comfort to my New York City table. It’s just another way food, like art, bridges gaps, creating a global culinary community. This pasty pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of vegan vegetable soup, making it a versatile addition to your mealtime repertoire.
While I can’t cite a particular chef as my muse for this recipe, I am thankful to the anonymous British baker who, years ago, served me my first Cornish pasty and set me off on this flavor-filled journey.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of vegan margarine
- 6-7 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 a teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of soy milk (for glazing)
Method
Step One
To start the dough for the pasty, combine the all purpose flour and vegan margarine in a large bowl. Use your hands or a pastry blender to mix them until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Step Two
Add the cold water a tablespoon at a time, while mixing continuously, until the dough comes together. If the mixture is too sticky, add more flour. If it is too dry, add more water. Once the dough is the right consistency, cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step Three
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large pan, add the vegetable oil, diced potatoes, finely chopped onion, carrots, and peas. Cook on medium heat until the vegetables are soft. Season with salt and black pepper, then set aside to cool.
Step Four
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has sufficiently chilled, roll it out onto a floured surface. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. Using a pastry cutter or a large glass, cut out circles from the dough.
Step Five
Place a small amount of the vegetable filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the pasty. Repeat until all the dough and filling have been used.
Step Six
Brush each pasty with soy milk to create a glaze. This will help them to brown nicely in the oven.
Step Seven
Place the pasties on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the pasties are golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Cornish Pasty!
