Traditional Gluten-Free Cornish Pasty Recipe

Published on Oct 08, 2020

  by   Kristina Stosek

20 reviews

Prep Time: 30 + minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Serves: 6 - 8
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In this Gluten-Free Cornish Pasty recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this classic pastry dish. With a few adjustments, this gluten-free pastry recipe doesn’t compromise flavor or texture, so you can enjoy one of British favorite dishes without gluten.

With a flaky, buttery crust that’s as good as the original, this gluten-free version will impress. Filled with a savory blend of tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, the gluten-free Cornish pasty will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, have celiac disease, or want to explore a new dish, this recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of a Cornish pasty without worrying about gluten.

 

baked gluten free Cornish pasty on a plate

What is a Cornish pasty?

The Cornish pasty is a traditional pastry that originated in Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England. It is believed to have been introduced as a convenient and portable meal for tin miners in the region during the 17th and 18th centuries

The pasty is like a handheld meat pie with a classic filling of thinly sliced beef, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions. This Cornish pasty is made without gluten and tastes how you remember it.

how did I come about creating the Cornish Pasty?

Over the last little while, my wonderful readers have asked me repeatedly to create a Cornish Pasty recipe with a flaky crust and the traditional filling.

Creating a gluten-free flaky shortbread crust wasn’t my easiest task. I made it several times until I found the perfect combination of ingredients for this flaky crust, making these Cornish Pasties outstanding.

Honestly, the pasties are so incredibly delicious – The flaky crust and the filling are both perfect!

 

sliced Cornish Pasty on a plate with peas

Gluten-Free Cornish Pasty – Step by Step Recipe Details

You can make pasties in various sizes. The most common ones are an 8-inch or 6-inch size. I prefer mine smaller the 6-inch size, mostly because I can’t finish the larger one. The pasties are super filling, especially if you add a side.

 

gluten free short crust ingredients in bowls, flour, sour cream, butter, ice water

STEP ONE

All the ingredients must be well chilled and the dry ingredients whisked together

 

flour and grated butter in a bowl for shortcrust pastry

STEP TWO

grate the butter into the dry ingredients

 

shortcrust pastry ingredients mixed with a fork in a bowl

STEP THREE

Use a fork to mix the butter with the flour, then add sour cream and mix to combine. At this point start adding ice water until the flour starts to stick together and you can form a ball of dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 45 minutes.

 

cornish pasty filling, rutabaga, steak, onions in a bowl

STEP FOUR

Make the filling, by mixing the ingredients.

 

gluten free pastry dough rolled into a circle

STEP FIVE

Once the dough has chilled for 45 minutes, roll it out into a circle either 8-inch in diameter or 6-inch and about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a plate as your guide and cut the dough around it to form your circle. 

 

cornish pasty filling on half of the pastry circle dough

STEP SIX

Divide the steak mixture into equal portions for each pasty. Spread steak mixture slightly off-center on each round of dough and top with 2 thin slices of butter. Fold dough over the mixture to form a half-moon shape. You can use the parchment paper to lift the dough and fold it over the filling.

 

gluten free Cornish pasty assembled before baking

STEP SEVEN

Wet the tips of your fingers lightly with water and moisten inside of the edges of the pastry dough. Seal the dough and crimp the edges using a fork or your fingers. Place each pasty on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pasty with egg mixture.

 

baked gluten free Cornish pasty

STEP EIGHT

Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

 

rutabaga

rutabaga VS turnip

I used the classics in this traditional Cornish Pasty recipe: steak meat, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga. Rutabagas are sometimes called swedes or Sweedish turnip. This root vegetable is similar to a turnip except the healthy rutabaga is yellow on the outside and has orange flesh.

Turnip, on the other hand, is white and purple on the outside with white flesh. Rutabagas are also generally larger and stay tender even at larger sizes.

 

Cornish pasty filling options

 

Traditional Beef and Vegetable:

The classic Cornish pasty filling includes diced beef, potatoes, onions, and swede (rutabaga). Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of butter for a savory and hearty filling.

Vegetarian/Vegan: 

For a meatless option, use a combination of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, swede, peas, and spinach. You can also add vegetarian or vegan protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

Chicken and Mushroom: 

Swap out the beef for diced chicken and add sliced mushrooms to create a chicken and mushroom pasty. Season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Cheese and Onion: 

A simple yet delicious filling consists of grated cheese (Cheddar works well) and finely chopped onions. Add a pinch of black pepper for some extra zing.

Pork and Apple: 

Combine diced cooked pork with chunks of apple for a sweet and savory filling. You can also add a touch of sage for an herby flavor.

Lamb and Mint: 

Use ground or diced lamb and incorporate chopped mint leaves. Lamb and mint complement each other beautifully.

Seafood: 

For a unique twist, create a seafood pasty with a mixture of diced fish (such as cod or salmon), shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat. Season with seafood-friendly herbs and spices like dill or paprika.

Curry: 

Experiment with a spicy curry filling by mixing cooked chicken or lamb with a curry sauce, potatoes, peas, and a dash of coconut milk or cream.

Sweet Fillings: 

Don’t forget about dessert pasties. Fill the pastry with sweet ingredients like apples and cinnamon, berries, or chocolate and nuts for a delightful treat.

 

gluten free Cornish pasty on a plate with peas

What to serve with Cornish pasty?

Cornish pasties are delicious and satisfying, but you can enhance the dish with complementary side dishes. Here are some traditional options you may enjoy.

Pickles or Chutney: 

Cornish pasties pair wonderfully with pickles or chutney. Opt for classics like Branston pickle or pickled onions for a traditional touch, or experiment with fruit chutneys for a sweet and tangy contrast. Be sure they are gluten free.

Salad: 

A fresh, crisp salad can balance the richness of the pasty. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing accompaniment.

Coleslaw: 

Crunchy coleslaw complements the pasty nicely with its creamy and slightly sweet flavors. It adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm and flaky pastry.

Yam and Sweet Potato Mash: 

A scoop of creamy yam and sweet potato mash alongside your Cornish pasty can make for a comforting and filling meal. It’s a hearty combination that many people enjoy.

Gravy: 

Some people like to serve their Cornish pasty with a drizzle of gravy, either traditional beef gravy or a vegetarian option. This adds extra flavor and moisture to the pasty.

Baked Beans: 

Consider serving your pasty with baked beans for a British twist. The sweetness of the beans can complement the savory pastry. Check for gluten-free options such as the Bush’s Best Vegetarian Baked Beans.

Soup: 

A warm bowl of soup can be a cozy accompaniment, especially with flavors that complement the pasty’s filling (such as Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Soup).

Cornish Pasty was initially developed for farmers and miners in southwest England. The pasties were used as a hearty lunch for the hard working people. With the savoury filling wrapped in a flaky crust, it makes a delicious hearty lunch or dinner. If you’re a fan of delicious comfort food but must follow a gluten-free diet, you’re in for a treat.

If you like British food you may enjoy these popular dishes. The Gluten-Free Fish Pie or the Gluten-Free Cottage Pie.

Let’s Connect!

Meet Kristina. Passionate about creating delicious, innovative gluten free recipes, and author of two gluten free cookbooks, “Entertaining The Gluten Free Way” and “Small Bites The Gluten Free Way”.

Be sure to FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK or, check us out on PINTEREST. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. We always have something new and exciting for you! 

Many thanks!

Kristina x

Leave a Comment

Kristina

Thank you Mike, we have updated the description.

Mike

Hi Kristina, In your description of the origin of Cornish pasties you say they come from Devon, that would make them Devonshire pasties, they originated in Cornwall.

Kristina

Fran, yes you can use goat yogurt, thank you

Fran Buckley

I can not have yogurt with milk in it. Can I substitute Coconut yogurt or Goat yogurt for the yogurt you have in the recipe. Fran

Kristina

I am sooo happy to hear that Ann. This recipe took me 12 tries to make it perfect! thank you xx

Ann

I can't tell you how excited I was when this recipe actually came out delicious and my non-gluten free husband thoroughly enjoyed the pasties as much as I did. First of all, I was relieved that I was successful in rolling out the crust without difficulty. I had failed at that with previous gluten-free recipes I had tried. Secondly, I was still apprehensive when I pulled them out of the oven at the end of baking time. I was afraid they would not taste as good as they looked. They were delicious. The crust was the star. It was incredibly crispy, crunchy and delicious. Thanks so much for this recipe!

Kristina

thank you for sharing Linda, I make them often and everyone loves them, especially the crust. To freeze the dough, first freeze it, then wrap it up in plastic wrap or freezer bags and place it in the freezer up to 2 months

Linda Benson

First time making Cornish pasties and I love how the pasty was crispy and flaky. I need to double the dough so I can freeze some for later.

Kristina

to be honest Karen I don’t know since I have not used vegan margarine, sorry

Karen

I'm lactose-intolerant. Can I make these with vegan margarine instead?

Kristina

I am so happy that you like this gluten-free version, my family loves it!

Georgina. R

This Cornish pasty recipe turned out so good! Thank you so much, I never thought I could enjoy a gluten-free version this much.

Kristina

I am so happy to hear that you liked it!

roger

this recipe turned out better than I expected, it’s awesome!

Kristina

I am so happy to hear that and thank you so much for letting me know!

Katie Harris

First attempt at gluten free pastry and second attempt at pasties. This recipe was phenomenal!! It amazed everyone and I was SO PLEASED with how they turned out. We had them to celebrate St. Piran’s Day and it was definitely a success. Thank you so much for posting. Wish I could post a photo to share how great they looked!

Kristina

Thank you, I am so happy to hear that, yes I reheat them in the oven

Irene

Excellent recipe! Thank you. Love the pastry!! I cut the recipe in half and it still made 4 large pasties. How do you reheat them-in the oven?

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