Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie

🇦🇺🥧 Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie 🥧🇦🇺

What is it?
The Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie is a delicious and hearty savory pie that’s popular in Australia. It features tender chunks of beef steak, flavorful Portobello mushrooms, and a rich, gravy-like sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially on a chilly day down under.

History:
The history of meat pies in Australia dates back to the early days of British colonization. Pies, known as “pies floater” or “meat pies,” quickly became a staple in Australian cuisine. While the exact origin of the Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie is unclear, it’s part of the broader tradition of Australian meat pies, enjoyed by people across the country.

Components:

1. Beef Steak: Lean beef steak is the star ingredient. It’s usually diced into small, tender pieces and cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
2. Portobello Mushrooms: These large, earthy-flavored mushrooms add depth and a wonderful umami taste to the filling.
3. Gravy Sauce: The rich, savory gravy is what ties everything together. It’s typically made with beef stock, onions, garlic, and various seasonings.
4. Pastry Crust: The filling is encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust. It’s often puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, depending on personal preference.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a simplified recipe for Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie:

Ingredients:

• 500g beef steak, diced
• 200g Portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pastry sheets (puff or shortcrust)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add diced beef and brown it. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
2. In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they’re translucent.
3. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir well.
4. Gradually add beef stock, stirring continuously until it thickens into a gravy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Return the beef to the pan, add sliced mushrooms, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the filling is thick and delicious.
6. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
7. Line pie dishes with pastry sheets. Add the beef and mushroom filling.
8. Cover with another sheet of pastry, sealing the edges well.
9. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling is piping hot.

Time Needed:
Preparation and cooking time will vary, but you can typically prepare an Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie in about 1.5 to 2 hours, including prep and baking time.

Enjoy your homemade Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie – a flavorful and comforting Australian classic! 🥧🍽️🇦🇺

Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for an Aussie Steak & Portobello Mushroom Pie. Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Sugars: 2-3g
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 50-60mg
• Sodium: 500-600mg

Health Information:

1. Protein: The beef in the pie provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
2. Fiber: The pie contains some dietary fiber, mainly from the vegetables and the pastry. Fiber aids digestion and can help you feel full.
3. Fats: While the pie can be delicious, it is relatively high in fat, particularly saturated fat due to the pastry and beef. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease.
4. Calories: The pie is moderately calorie-dense, so portion control is essential if you’re watching your calorie intake.
5. Sodium: The sodium content may be relatively high due to seasonings and stock. High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension, so it’s essential to monitor your overall daily sodium intake.

Remember, the exact nutritional values may vary based on the recipe, ingredient choices, and serving size. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using leaner cuts of beef, reducing the amount of pastry, or using a whole-grain crust. Additionally, adding more vegetables to the filling can increase fiber and nutritional value.