Outlander: Brianna’s Bridies

Outlander: Brianna’s Bridies

Outlander Brianna’s Beef Bridies recipe

“Bridies! Hot Bridies!”  A high pitched screech cut through the rumble and racket of the hall, and Brianna turned to see an old woman elbowing her way robustly through the crowd, a steaming tray hung around her neck and a wooden spatula in hand.

The heavenly scent of fresh hot dough and spiced meat cut through the other pungencies in the hall, noticeable as the old woman’s calling.  It had been a long time since breakfast, and Brianna dug in her pocket, feeling saliva fill her mouth.

….

Both self consciousness and drafts were forgotten as sh bit into the first hot pastry.  A bridie was a plump hot pie in a half-moon shape, filled with minced steak and suet and spiced with onion.  A rush of hot, rich juice, and flaky pastry filled her mouth, and she closed her eyes in bliss.

DRUMS OF AUTUMN, OUTLANDER BOOK SERIES, DIANA GABALDON

The Outlander series (book and televisions series) has been out for years now but I haven’t read or watched the series AT ALL until a few months ago.  I was always put off by the fact that the entire book series wasn’t out yet and YET here I am, on the 7th book, and killing myself for not waiting.  I’ve been obsessing over the book now for months and sadly, there hasn’t been much else on a mind and therefore, completely dropped the ball on Halloween recipes.  Thankfully, I have made quite a recipe Halloween recipes years before that I hope you still enjoy.

Outlander Brianna’s Beef Bridies recipe

Since I haven’t read Outlander until recently, I also haven’t made any recipes from the series.  Thankfully, I have a whole list handy now after reading seven of the books.  It’s also quite perfect timing because their fourth season comes out on STARZ this November!  The recipe I have today are bridies that were inspired by a scene in the book, Drums of Autumn.  I’ve never had bridies before but the way it was described in a book made my mouth water.

Bridies are meat pastries originated from Scotland.  What confuses me is that when researching the history of bridies, I found that it was supposedly invented in the 1850’s which is years after the book was set in.  Any food historian here that can help me out?  Regardless, these pastries are amazing.  The meat filling is lightly seasoned with herbs and held together in a lightly and incredibly flaky crust.

Outlander Brianna’s Beef Bridies recipe

I hope you enjoy the recipe.  Its quite simple and easy to put together.  Make sure to keep your butter and water ice cold when making the dough to ensure a flaky crust.  Also, taste your filling to make sure it’s seasoned to your liking.  Let me know if you would like to see more Outlander recipes!

Outlander Brianna’s Beef Bridies recipe

Outlander: Brianna's Bridies

Outlander: Brianna's Bridies recipe inspired by the Outlander book series. Brianna's bridies are from the fourth book, Drums of Autumn, by Diana Gabaldon.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 cups all purpose flour 276g / 9.7oz
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold, thinly sliced 226g / 8oz
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup ice cold water or as needed

Filling

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion medium dice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 12 oz steak finely diced
• 1 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1/2-3/4 cup beef stock
• 1 whole egg lightly whisked

Instructions

 

Dough for crust

• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the flour and salt until well combined on medium speed. Add the cold and thinly sliced butter into the flour and mix on medium speed until you get hazelnut size lumps of butter in your mixture. Slowly add just enough ice cold water to the dries just until it comes together as a dough when pressed. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.

Meat Filling

• In a cast iron pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the thyme, nutmeg, mustard, salt and black pepper. Mix to combine.
• Add the steak and cook on high heat just until it turns brown. Add the flour and cook for another2 minutes. Add the beef stock and bring it to a simmer. It should have a crazy like consistency, if not add more flour or stock. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

Wrapping and Baking

• Preheat the oven to 375F.
• Place the dough on a light floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. If you prefer smaller birdies, you can divide the dough into more pieces. Roll out each ball of dough into 8-9" circles.
• Roughly divide the filling into 6 portions. Spread a portion of the filling onto half of the circle while leaving a 1" border. Lightly brush the edges with egg wash. Fold the circle in half and crimp the edges together. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
• Place the birdies onto a baking sheet and brush with the egg wash. Cut slits onto the top and baking for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Keyword Bridies, Meat Pie, Outlander, STAR