Medieval-Style Mince Pies Recipe

Medieval-Style Mince Pies (Sweet–Savory British Tradition)

Echoing their original festive form — rich fruit, warm spice, and a whisper of their old savoury roots.

Ingredients (Filling)

• 200g beef suet (veg suet fine)

• 200g raisins

• 200g currants

• 150g sultanas

• 100g chopped dried figs or dates

• 75g mixed peel

• 1 grated apple

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 50ml brandy or apple juice

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: 50g finely chopped cooked beef or lamb (very medieval)

Ingredients (Pastry)

• 350g plain flour

• 175g cold butter

• 50g sugar

• 1 egg + splash of milk for glaze

Method

1. Combine all filling ingredients. Warm gently for 10 minutes, stirring often. Cool.

2. For the pastry, rub flour and butter to crumbs, add sugar and the egg, bring together to a dough. Chill.

3. Roll out, cut bases and lids.

4. Fill each pie with the spiced fruit mix.

5. Seal, crimp, glaze, and bake at 190°C for 20–25 minutes until golden.