Mad Max: Australian Beef & Mushroom Pies

makes 4 individual pies

1 1/2 pounds stew beef (or chuck cut 1/2" cubes)

2 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 cup red wine

3/4 cup beef broth

1/2 cup water

4 ounces portabello (or baby bello) mushrooms, roughly chopped

8 ounces diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 bay leaf

1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

1 medium egg, separated

butter, for greasing pans

2 sheet pie crust pastry - you may need only one, but have 2nd just in case

2 sheet puff pastry - same as above

ketchup, for accompaniment

1. Preheat over to 375*.

2. Mix flour, paprika & salt. Dredge meat in mix. Brown meat in batches in frying pan using 1/2 the oil and then place in ovenproof casserole or pot.

3. In same pan, adding remaining oil to lightly-brown onions & garlic (don't let burn), then add to pot.

4. Stir in wine, broth, water, tomatoes, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, salt, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Cover tightly and put in oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaf. Add cornstarch slurry.

5. Let cool to room temp. Up to here can be done up to 3 days in advance (refrigerate - if more than an hour until ready to use after cooling).

6. When ready to make pies, grease pie pan with butter (even if its non-stick pans).

7. Roll out pie crust dough and cut about 1/2" wider circle than rim of pan rim. Snugly fit the dough into the pan. Repeat for each pan.

8. Now, roll out the puff pastry and cut circles about 1/4" wider than the pan rims. Reserve.

9. Fill each pie pan about 3/4 the way full with meat mixture. Do not fill to the brim.

10. Using a brush, paint the edge of the pie crust with egg white, then lightly press puff pastry circle on top. Use a fork and firmly press down on the edges to seal. Repeat for each pan.

11. Now brush the top of each pie with some egg yolk, then using a sharp knife, first cut any excess dough around the edges, then cut one or two small slits on the top to let the pies breathe. (NOTE: Pies can now also be held in the fridge (seal tightly with plastic wrap) until ready to use.)

12. In a preheated 375* oven, cook the pies for about 30-35 minutes, until done.

13. Serve hot with a dollop of ketchup on the top or side. Enjoy!

Found at: http://chef-du-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/09/tv-bites-mad-max.html

All original content © Copyright 2010-11 by Ron Deutsch. Permission required for any republishing.