Squab pie: Difference between revisions

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== Squab Pie ==
{{Short description|A traditional English pie made with squab}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


Squab pie is a traditional dish from the West Country in England, specifically from Devon. It is a meat pie that includes squab (young pigeon), mutton, and apples. The pie is often seasoned with black pepper and thickened with a roux.
'''Squab pie''' is a traditional [[English cuisine|English]] pie originating from the [[West Country]] of [[England]]. Despite its name, squab pie does not typically contain [[squab]], which is a young [[pigeon]]. Instead, it is usually made with [[mutton]] or [[lamb]], along with [[apples]] and [[onions]].


== Ingredients ==
==History==
The origins of squab pie are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been a popular dish among the rural communities of the West Country. The name "squab" may have originally referred to the use of young pigeons in the pie, but over time, the recipe evolved to use more readily available meats such as mutton or lamb.


The main ingredients of a squab pie are:
==Ingredients and Preparation==
The main ingredients of squab pie include diced mutton or lamb, sliced apples, and onions. These are seasoned with [[salt]], [[pepper]], and sometimes [[herbs]] such as [[thyme]] or [[rosemary]]. The mixture is then encased in a [[pastry]] crust and baked until golden brown.


* [[Squab (young pigeon)]]
[[File:Squab_pie_ready_for_lid.jpg|thumb|right|A squab pie ready for the pastry lid]]
* [[Mutton]]
* [[Apples]]
* [[Black pepper]]
* [[Roux]]


== History ==
===Pastry===
The pastry used for squab pie is typically a shortcrust pastry, which provides a sturdy and flaky crust to encase the filling. The pastry is rolled out and used to line a pie dish, with the filling placed inside before being covered with another layer of pastry.


Squab pie has a long history in Devon, dating back to at least the 16th century. It was traditionally served at harvest time, when squabs would have been plentiful. The addition of mutton and apples to the pie is a uniquely Devonian twist, reflecting the agricultural bounty of the region.
===Filling===
The filling of squab pie is a savory mixture that balances the richness of the meat with the sweetness of the apples. Onions add a depth of flavor, and the seasoning enhances the overall taste of the pie.


== Preparation ==
==Cultural Significance==
Squab pie is considered a regional specialty of the West Country, particularly in areas such as [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]]. It is often associated with traditional [[British cuisine]] and is sometimes served at local festivals and events celebrating regional foods.


To prepare a squab pie, the squab is first roasted and then combined with mutton and apples in a pie dish. A roux is made by cooking flour and fat together, which is then used to thicken the filling. The pie is seasoned with black pepper and then baked until golden brown.
==Related pages==
* [[Pasty]]
* [[Steak and kidney pie]]
* [[Cornish cuisine]]
* [[British cuisine]]


== Serving ==
[[Category:British pies]]
 
[[Category:English cuisine]]
Squab pie is typically served hot, often with a side of vegetables or a green salad. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it a popular choice for picnics or packed lunches.
[[Category:Savoury pies]]
 
== Variations ==
 
While the traditional squab pie recipe calls for squab, mutton, and apples, there are many variations on this classic dish. Some recipes substitute the squab with other types of poultry, such as chicken or turkey. Others add additional ingredients, such as onions, leeks, or mushrooms.
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[List of pies, tarts and flans]]
* [[English cuisine]]
* [[Devon]]
 
== References ==
 
* [[The Oxford Companion to Food]]
* [[The Cambridge World History of Food]]
 
== External Links ==
 
* [[Recipe for traditional Devon squab pie]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 11:52, 15 February 2025

A traditional English pie made with squab



Squab pie is a traditional English pie originating from the West Country of England. Despite its name, squab pie does not typically contain squab, which is a young pigeon. Instead, it is usually made with mutton or lamb, along with apples and onions.

History[edit]

The origins of squab pie are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been a popular dish among the rural communities of the West Country. The name "squab" may have originally referred to the use of young pigeons in the pie, but over time, the recipe evolved to use more readily available meats such as mutton or lamb.

Ingredients and Preparation[edit]

The main ingredients of squab pie include diced mutton or lamb, sliced apples, and onions. These are seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs such as thyme or rosemary. The mixture is then encased in a pastry crust and baked until golden brown.

A squab pie ready for the pastry lid

Pastry[edit]

The pastry used for squab pie is typically a shortcrust pastry, which provides a sturdy and flaky crust to encase the filling. The pastry is rolled out and used to line a pie dish, with the filling placed inside before being covered with another layer of pastry.

Filling[edit]

The filling of squab pie is a savory mixture that balances the richness of the meat with the sweetness of the apples. Onions add a depth of flavor, and the seasoning enhances the overall taste of the pie.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Squab pie is considered a regional specialty of the West Country, particularly in areas such as Devon and Cornwall. It is often associated with traditional British cuisine and is sometimes served at local festivals and events celebrating regional foods.

Related pages[edit]