Colonial Beef Port Pie

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Colonial Beef Port Pie.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious pie, grab a large saucepan and melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

2. Step 2

   Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped shallot and sauté it until it’s softened, which should take about five minutes.

3. Step 3

   Next, pour in the tawny port and sprinkle in some fresh thyme.

4. Step 4

   Bring this fragrant mixture to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.

5. Step 5

   You want the sauce to reduce down to about half a cup, which will take around 35 minutes.

6. Step 6

   While that’s bubbling away, take a separate small saucepan and bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer.

7. Step 7

   Once it’s simmering, turn off the heat and add half of your mushroom slices.

8. Step 8

   Let those soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to infuse their rich flavor.

9. Step 9

   After soaking, use a slotted spoon to transfer the mushrooms to a bowl.

10. Step 10

    Now, strain the chicken broth through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another bowl to catch any sediment.

11. Step 11

    Dice the soaked mushrooms and add them to the port sauce along with the strained chicken-mushroom broth.

12. Step 12

    Bring this mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook until it reduces to about 1 ½ cups, which should take around 15 minutes.

13. Step 13

    While that’s simmering, mix ¼ cup of cold water with some cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry.

14. Step 14

    Whisk this slurry into your simmering sauce until it thickens, which should take about three minutes.

15. Step 15

    Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

16. Step 16

    Now, let’s move on to the beef.

17. Step 17

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the diced beef until it’s still slightly pink in the center, which will take about six to seven minutes.

18. Step 18

    Once done, transfer the beef to a bowl.

19. Step 19

    In the same skillet, sauté the remaining mushroom slices and onion in the flavorful beef drippings until they’re tender, about five minutes.

20. Step 20

    Add this mixture to the bowl with the beef.

21. Step 21

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.

22. Step 22

    In a mixing bowl, combine flour with a teaspoon of salt.

23. Step 23

    Cut in 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of softened butter using two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

24. Step 24

    Gradually add ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons of cold water, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

25. Step 25

    Divide the dough in half, setting one portion aside.

26. Step 26

    Roll out the other half on a floured surface and press it into a 10-inch pie pan to form the bottom crust.

27. Step 27

    Spread the beef and vegetable mixture over the crust, then pour the sauce on top, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges.

28. Step 28

    Roll out the remaining dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges well to keep all that goodness inside.

29. Step 29

    Bake in your preheated oven until the crust is flaky and golden, which should take about 45 minutes.

30. Step 30

    Once it’s done, let the pie cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

31. Step 31

    Enjoy the delightful aroma and the comforting flavors of your homemade pie!.