Steak and Kidney Pie

Uncle T doesn't like to let anything go to waste when he kills and butchers an animal.  As a result, we eat a fair bit of offal.  I always save the heart, liver, and kidneys and if I'm wanting to make haggis I'll save the lungs.  The kidneys are always for steak and kidney pie.  It's hard to beat a meaty dish full of rich gravy.

Most people think steak and kidney pie is British food.  They're probably just the most known for it.  Some time ago I came across an article saying that what we in the United States would call a pie is referred to as pudding in the UK.  What it comes down to is, crust on top is pie and crust on top and bottom is pudding.  What I normally make would be steak and kidney pudding since I usually put a crust on the top and bottom.  Steak and kidney pie would just have crust on the top.  That said, I don't know how accurate that is and I still use pie interchangeably for this dish in whichever configuration I make.

Steak and Kidney Pie

If you are dead set against eating offal you can just make this with beef for a steak pie.  I'm also writing this to prepare most of it in a pressure cooker.  The non-pressure cooked way involves simmering on the stove top for an hour or more until the meat is tender.

Steak and Kidney Pie

1-1.5 lbs beef
8 oz kidney
1 onion, diced small
butter
flour
beef broth
salt
pepper
garlic powder
corn starch
1 package puff pastry

Cut beef  and kidney into bite sized pieces.  A more flavorful cut, like round steak, sirloin butt flap, or even chuck is the best choice.  Sautee the onion in some butter.  Toss the beef with seasoned flour and corn starch then brown on all sides in the skillet.  Remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the kidney.  Remove the kidney from the skillet and use more butter and flour to make a dark roux.  Once the roux is done, stir in beef broth until you have a thick dark gravy.  Add salt and pepper to taste then return the steak and kidney to the skillet.  Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 9 pan and top with the puff pastry.  Bake according to the instructions for the puff pastry.

Steak and Kidney Pie, mashed potatoes, and sautéed red cabbage

This is best served with either mashed potatoes or rice.  It can be to the side or served over them.  Steak and kidney pie is a rich flavorful dish.

Reheated Steak and Kidney pie, rice, and fried zucchini

Kidney's can be found at some grocery stores and most Asian stores will have them.  Usually what they have are beef kidneys.  So go get a package and start making steak and kidney pie.

Give it try and let me know what you think.

Uncle T