This rustic and flavorful Hairy Bikers Game Pie is a true classic, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday dinner. It is made with a rich filling of mixed game meat and bacon, simmered in a savory gravy with red wine and herbs, all topped with a flaky puff pastry crust. The result is a hearty, deeply complex, and truly delicious main course that’s a perfect centerpiece for a family feast and serves 6 people.
Hairy Bikers Game Pie Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 200g braising venison, diced
- 350g mixed game (e.g., pheasant, partridge, rabbit), diced
- 100g smoked bacon, diced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 10 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 200ml red wine
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 300ml chicken stock
- 1 packet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Hairy Bikers Game Pie
- Prepare the filling: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. In a large, deep pan or casserole dish, heat the oil over high heat. Season the game meat with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in batches, then remove it from the pan. Add the diced bacon and sliced onions to the pan and cook until the onions are soft and the bacon is golden.
- Simmer the filling: Add all the browned meat back into the pan along with the mushrooms, bay leaves, and thyme. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the meat, cooking for a few minutes. Pour in the red wine, redcurrant jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Slow cook the filling: Cover the pan with a lid and let the filling cook on low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the game meat is very tender. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the rich game filling to a 25 cm pie dish. Let it cool slightly before adding the pastry top.
- Bake the pie: Lay the ready-rolled puff pastry over the top of the pie dish. Trim any excess pastry, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal it. Cut a small slit in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking the time to brown the game meat in batches is a crucial step. This creates a deep, caramelized flavor that forms the foundation of the pie’s taste.
- Choose Your Game: This recipe is flexible! You can use a pre-packaged mix of game or select your favorites, like venison, pheasant, partridge, or rabbit.
- A Good Seal is Key: To prevent the gravy from bubbling over and ruining the crust, make sure to crimp the edges of the pastry firmly with a fork, creating a good seal.
- Use Fresh Herbs: The fresh thyme and bay leaves add a wonderful aromatic quality to the filling. Remember to remove them before serving.
What To Serve With Game Pie
This hearty game pie is a meal in itself. Serve it with classic British sides like a side of creamy mashed potatoes or some simple steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. A dollop of redcurrant jelly on the side or a rich onion gravy can also complement the savory, rich flavors of the pie.
How To Store Game Pie Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the pie cool completely. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven until the pastry is crisp and the filling is hot.
- Freeze: To freeze the pie, bake it and let it cool completely. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Hairy Bikers Game Pie Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish (approximate)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this pie with different pastry? Yes, while puff pastry gives a classic flaky crust, you can also use a shortcrust pastry for the top, or even for both the base and lid, if you prefer. Just be sure to bake for a little longer if the crust is thicker.
- Do I have to use red wine? The red wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce, but you can substitute it. A good, rich beef stock or even a non-alcoholic red wine substitute would work in a pinch.
- Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, the filling can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and then assemble the pie with the pastry just before you are ready to bake. This can save a lot of time on a busy day.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie With Cheesy Mash Recipe
- Hairy Bikers American Chicken Wings Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe
Hairy Bikers Game Pie Recipe
Description
A Hairy Bikers Game Pie is a savory and delicious classic. This recipe features a mix of tender game meats and bacon simmered in a rich red wine gravy, all topped with a light, flaky puff pastry crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown: In a pan, brown the game meat, then the bacon and onions.
- Simmer: Add the browned meat back with mushrooms, flour, wine, stock, and herbs. Simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Assemble: Transfer filling to a pie dish. Top with puff pastry, crimp edges, and cut a steam hole.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake at 180°C/350°F for 30 minutes, or until golden
