Celebrating British Pie Week
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British Pie Week, running from 3rd to 9th March, is the perfect time to celebrate one of the UK’s most cherished comfort foods.
With a pie industry worth £1.2bn a year and 75% of the British population eating a pie at least once a month, it’s clear that this humble dish remains a national favourite. With a lid, edible sides, and a base, pies are a self-contained dish that has evolved over thousands of years to become a staple of British cuisine.
This year, we’re celebrating British Pie Week with a Chicken, Ham and Vegetable Pie with Shortcrust Pastry, made using high-quality IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) ingredients. But before we get to the recipe, let’s take a look at the fascinating journey that pies have taken to get to our plates today.
A Brief History of Pies
Pies have been enjoyed for over 4,000 years, evolving from simple grain-based crusts to the rich, flavourful dishes we know today.
The earliest known pies date back to Ancient Egypt, where a crusty cake made from oats, wheat, rye, or barley was filled with honey. A recipe for chicken pie was discovered on a tablet carved before 2000 BC.
By the 5th century BC, the Ancient Greeks had developed pastry-making, using flour, water, and fat to create early pie crusts. The Romans took this further, using pastry as a way to preserve meat, though their crusts were not always meant to be eaten. Pie recipes appeared in the 1st-century Roman cookbook Apicius, including an early version of cheesecake.
Pies arrived in Britain during the medieval period, becoming a staple for banquets and long sea voyages. Early British pies, known as "pyes", often contained more crust than filling, and the sturdy pastry shell, called a "coffyn", helped food last longer. By the 16th century, sweet pies grew in popularity, with the first cherry pie allegedly served to Queen Elizabeth I.
As pies spread worldwide, they adapted to different cultures, leading to the diverse range of savoury and sweet pies enjoyed today.
Enjoy This Flavourful Chicken and Ham Pie Recipe
A great pie starts with premium ingredients that ensure consistency, convenience, and great taste. High-quality, individually quick frozen (IQF) ingredients help maintain freshness, flavour, and texture, making them ideal for pie production.
Uren Ingredients:
- IQF 10mm Diced Onion – Adds sweetness and depth
- IQF Diced Celery – Brings a mild, earthy flavour
- IQF 10mm Diced Carrot – Provides texture and colour
- IQF Diced Leeks – Offers a subtle onion-like taste
- IQF Sliced Chestnut Mushroom – Adds umami richness
- IQF Tarragon – Enhances the chicken with a fresh, slightly aniseed-like aroma
- IQF Parsley – Complements the dish with a mild, herby flavour
- Natural Chicken Flavour 7.96491 – Intensifies the savoury taste
Accompanying Vegetables
- IQF Baton Carrots – Sweet and tender
- IQF Peas – A classic side dish
- IQF Parsley in Butter for Jacket Potatoes – Adds a fresh, herby touch
Why IQF Ingredients are Perfect for Pies
Uren’s IQF vegetables and natural flavours offer several advantages for pie-making:
- Consistent Quality – IQF vegetables retain their natural flavour, colour, and nutrients.
- Convenience – Pre-prepared and ready to use, reducing prep time.
- Less Waste – Portion-controlled, helping to reduce food waste.
- Year-Round Availability – No seasonal restrictions, ensuring fresh-tasting pies at any time
Celebrate British Pie Week with Uren Ingredients
Pies are a timeless British tradition, and British Pie Week is the perfect excuse to enjoy them. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, chef, or home cook, Uren’s IQF vegetables and natural flavours help create pies with consistent flavour and texture.
Why not celebrate British Pie Week by making this Chicken and Ham Pie using Uren’s premium ingredients? If you’re looking for high-quality IQF ingredients for your food business, get in touch today.
