A Venison Pasty. Recipe

The history of the Venison Pasty dates back to medieval times in England when pasties were a popular dish among the working class and hunters. Traditionally, pasties were made as a convenient way to encase and preserve meat and vegetables, providing a portable meal for those working in the fields or going on long hunting trips.

Fun fact: The word "pasty" comes from the Old French word "paste," meaning dough. The original pasties were made with a simple and sturdy pastry crust that could withstand hours of baking or boiling.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for a delicious Venison Pasty!

Ingredients:
- 500 grams of venison, any part selected
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pounded mace
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
- Thin slices of mutton fat
- Strong beef gravy flavored with port wine
- 1 sheet of thick puff pastry

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the venison for 2 hours with a little seasoning. The seasoning includes cayenne pepper, salt, pounded mace, and allspice. This will ensure the meat is tender and full of flavor.

3. Once the venison is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool. Then, cut the meat into small pieces.

4. In a deep dish, place the pieces of venison. Layer thin slices of mutton fat over the meat to add richness and moisture.

5. Pour a little strong beef gravy flavored with port wine into the dish, ensuring that all the meat is covered. The port wine will enhance the flavors of the venison and give the dish a delightful aroma.

6. Cover the dish with a thick sheet of puff pastry. Make sure to seal the edges tightly, so the filling stays inside.

7. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg or milk to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.

8. Place the venison pasty in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.

9. Once the pasty is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and ensure it's easier to handle.

Enjoy your homemade Venison Pasty! It's perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a hearty meal served with a side salad or pickles.

Similar recipe dishes that you might enjoy:
If you're a fan of savory pastries, you might also want to try these similar recipe dishes:

1. Beef and Ale Pasty: Replace the venison with tender chunks of beef and add a generous pour of your favorite ale to the gravy for a rich and flavorful twist.

2. Chicken and Mushroom Pasty: Use diced chicken breast and sautéed mushrooms as the filling. You can also add a splash of white wine to the gravy to intensify the flavors.

3. Vegetable Pasty: For a vegetarian option, fill the pastry with a medley of sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, and onions. Add a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Remember, the beauty of pasties lies in their versatility, so feel free to experiment with different fillings and spices to create your own unique version.

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