Hairy Bikers Game Pie Recipe

Craving rich, hearty British comfort food? This Hairy Bikers game pie recipe delivers game meat perfection. Flaky pastry wraps flavorful filling.

I’ve perfected it for home kitchens everywhere. Try this Hairy Bikers game pie recipe tonight. How to make Hairy Bikers game pie is easier than you think!

My Story With This Comforting Hairy Bikers Game Pie

Cold winter evenings call for warmth. I remember watching Hairy Bikers laughing on TV. Their game pie looked amazing. I hunted local venison and tried it.

First bite transported me to countryside pubs. Family devoured it by candlelight. Now it’s our holiday star. Like Dave and Si in my kitchen. Your turn—what pie warms your heart?

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor (for pastry)
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch deep pie dish
• Heavy-based frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Pastry brush
• Measuring jug
• Sharp knife
• Baking beans and parchment

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Game Pie
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Traditional British
• Calories: 720 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Game Pie

Pastry Base (Shortcrust):

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• 4 tbsp cold lard
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup ice-cold water

Game Filling:

• 1 lb 8 oz mixed game meat (venison, pheasant, rabbit), diced
• 8 oz venison haunch, diced
• 6 oz smoked bacon, chopped
• 2 large onions, thickly sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 10 oz chestnut mushrooms, halved
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp redcurrant jelly
• 2 cups full-bodied red wine
• 2 cups game or beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Pastry Lid:

• 12 oz ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten for glazing

These ingredients for Hairy Bikers game pie make authentic rich flavor. Pantry staples meet wild game magic.

Instructions for Hairy Bikers Game Pie

1. Prepare Shortcrust Pastry

Pulse flour, baking powder, salt in processor. Add cold butter and lard. Pulse to breadcrumbs.

2. Bind the Pastry Dough

Add egg yolk and water. Pulse until dough clumps. Shape into disc. Chill 30 minutes.

3. Brown Game Meat Perfectly

Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan. Brown game meat in batches over high heat. Set aside on plate.

4. Cook Bacon and Aromatics

Add bacon to pan. Fry until crisp. Add onions and celery. Cook until golden and softened.

5. Sauté Mushrooms Golden

Add remaining oil. Cook mushrooms until rich brown color develops. Stir frequently.

6. Build Flavorful Gravy Base

Sprinkle flour over vegetables. Stir 2 minutes. Add wine, stock, jelly, bay, thyme. Season well.

7. Simmer Filling Gently

Return all meat to pan. Bring to simmer. Cover and cook 1½ hours until tender. Cool completely.

8. Blind Bake Pastry Case

Roll pastry thinly. Line greased pie dish. Chill 15 minutes. Bake 200°C/400°F with beans 20 minutes.

9. Fill and Seal the Pie

Spoon cold filling into pastry case. Brush edges with egg. Roll puff pastry for lid.

10. Glaze and Vent Pie

Lay pastry lid over filling. Crimp edges. Cut cross in center for steam. Brush with egg.

11. Bake to Golden Glory

Bake 180°C/350°F for 35 minutes. Pastry should be puffed and deep golden. Rest 10 minutes.

How to make Hairy Bikers game pie creates pub-worthy results! Step-by-step success guaranteed.

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

• Keep pastry ingredients ice-cold for flake perfection.
• Brown meat properly—color equals flavor.
• Cool filling completely to prevent soggy pastry.
• No game meat? Use beef brisket and pork shoulder.
• Add juniper berries for true game aroma.
• Swap wine for stout for deeper malt flavor.
• Individual pies in ramekins bake 25 minutes.
• Double glaze pastry halfway for extra shine.
• Freeze unbaked pies for 3 months convenience.

These tips make your Hairy Bikers game pie recipe restaurant quality every time.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

Game pies fed medieval hunters after long days. Pastry

preserved precious meat. Hairy Bikers revived tradition in their pie book. Dave Myers and Si King celebrated British classics.

Their hearty pies became TV legends. Rich fillings in crisp pastry sustained generations. Modern twist keeps countryside soul alive.

What to Serve With This Dish

Creamy mashed potatoes lap up gravy beautifully. Braised red cabbage adds tart sweetness. Roasted beets bring earthiness. Pickled red onions cut richness perfectly.

Buttery carrots with thyme complement game flavors. Warm crusty bread for gravy sopping. Simple greens refresh the plate.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Autumn shooting parties demand this centerpiece. Bonfire Night gatherings need pie warmth. Family harvest suppers shine with golden pastry.

Boxing Day celebrations stretch leftovers luxuriously. Rugby match days fuel cheering crowds. Cozy dinner parties impress with rustic elegance. Weekend walks end perfectly with pie.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Cool pie completely before refrigerating.
• Fridge: Loosely covered up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Unbaked pies freeze 3 months perfectly.
• Reheat: Oven 160°C/325°F for 30 minutes until piping hot.
• Never microwave—pastry texture suffers badly.
• Portion control reheats faster and evenly.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	720 kcal
Protein	48g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	38g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	950mg
Iron	7mg (39% DV)

Values approximate based on 6 servings. Game meat keeps it leaner.

Is This Dish Good for You?

Hairy Bikers game pie balances indulgence with nutrition. Lean game meats pack iron and protein minus excess fat. Mushrooms deliver vitamin D and antioxidants.

Onions and celery boost immunity with vitamins C and K. Thyme fights inflammation naturally. Pastry provides satisfying carbs. Moderation makes this wholesome comfort food.

Read more:Paula Deen Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Game Pie

Where do I source game meat for Hairy Bikers game pie recipe?
Local butchers, farm shops or specialist online suppliers. Many supermarkets carry venison year-round. Substitute beef works perfectly too.

Can I skip the shortcrust base entirely?
Puff pastry top only works fine! Just thicken filling more. Same delicious result, less pastry work.

Why blind bake pastry before filling?
Prevents soggy bottom from juicy meat juices. Professional pie technique every home cook needs.

How do I avoid tough game meat texture?
Low slow cooking tenderizes naturally. Don’t rush simmering stage. Patience creates melt-in-mouth results.

Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Replace wine with extra stock plus balsamic vinegar. Same depth of flavor without alcohol content.

Final Thoughts

There you have the ultimate Hairy Bikers game pie recipe! Golden pastry hugs rich game filling like countryside embrace. Perfect for chasing winter chills away.

Gather loved ones, pour red wine, let kitchen aromas work magic. This pie creates memories that’ll outlast leftovers. Make it your tradition. Share your pie triumphs below—I can’t wait to hear!