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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.
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!
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.
STEP ONE
All the ingredients must be well chilled and the dry ingredients whisked together
STEP TWO
grate the butter into the dry ingredients
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.
STEP FOUR
Make the filling, by mixing the ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
STEP EIGHT
Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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Using a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, xanthan gum and baking soda
2.
Using a box grater, grate 2/3 of the butter into dry ingredients. Keep the other 1/3 in the fridge. (It will be used for the inside of the pasties). Using a fork, mix the butter just long enough to coat with the flour. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until slightly crumbly.
3.
Add sour cream and mix. The dough will still be a bit dry. At this point, add one tablespoon at a time of ice water and, using your hands, knead the dough until it begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, keep adding 1 tablespoon of ice water while working the dough until it holds together. I used 6 tablespoons.
4.
Transfer dough onto a plastic wrap and form a compact disk. Wrap the dough and place it in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
5.
Preheat oven to 350 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
6.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Using a large bowl, combine the steak, potatoes, rutabaga and onions. Generously season with salt and pepper and set aside.
7.
Roll the chilled pastry dough into a log and cut it into 6 equal pieces for large pasty, or 8 for small. Wrap and keep the other pieces chilled in the fridge while you're working on one at a time. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured parchment paper to an 8 inch or 6-inch circle that's about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a plate as your guide and cut the dough around it to form your circle.
8.
Divide the filling 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. 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.
9.
Brush each pasty with egg mixture and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.
10.
Chefs note; if you have leftover filling, add it to soups or stews.
Leave a Comment
Kristina
Jay, I have not used another ingredient in this recipe besides xanthan gum, so I can’t recommend one. However, guar gum can be substituted for xanthan gum.
Jay
Hi can you substitute anthem gum with something else?
Kristina
You are welcome Annette. I may look into creating Cornish Saffron Buns without gluten, great idea, thank you.
E. Annette Baker
I come from Dodgeville, WI where many Cornish miners settled. My sister, who lives there, had pasties that were made by a church there on Sat. I was SO jealous. NOW, I can make my own. Thank you SO much for sharing this recipe. (BTW, I also make Cornish Saffron Buns, but can't make them rise with GF flour. Any ideas?
T
so excited to try this recipe! My Great Great Grandfather was from Cornwall.
I miss having pasty's. going to try it out!
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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