Author's Note
Ilse’s English Mince Pie
Embark on a culinary journey through the pages of 'Timeless Legacy: Living on The Fringe,' and discover Ilse's story of resilience and belonging, symbolized by a heartwarming Minced Pie. Uprooted from Germany to England as a teenager, Ilse's transition during the tumultuous times of World War I is marked by challenges and growth. This recipe, which became a symbol of her journey to acceptance and community, features a savory minced beef filling, enriched with onions and carrots, and topped with a buttery, smooth mashed potato crust. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden brown, this Minced Pie is more than just a dish; it's a testament to Ilse's transformation and the unexpected bonds forged in the heart of historical turbulence. As you recreate this recipe, let each bite take you back to that special birthday dinner, where laughter and shared meals turned colleagues into a surrogate family, offering a glimpse into Ilse's world of adaptation and the power of simple, nourishing food.
Ingredients
- For the Filling
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1 pound minced beef (ground beef)
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 tablespoons flour
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1 cup beef broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley for garnish
- For the Potato Topping
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4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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2 tablespoons butter
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Milk (for mashing)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Filling
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet, brown the minced beef over medium heat
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Add chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened.
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Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
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Pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens
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Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the filling is cooked through.
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Remove from heat and set aside
- For the Potato Topping
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Boil the diced potatoes until tender.
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Mash the potatoes with butter and a splash of milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Baking
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Spread the beef and vegetable filling in a baking dish.
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Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them evenly. Alternatively pipe the potatoes using a bakers bag for a design you prefer.
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Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the potato topping.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown.
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Serves: 8 Servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: International
Updated: 4 months ago