For the Pastry:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 ounces cold butter (or half lard and half butter), cubed
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cubed skirt steak or rump steak
- 1/2 cup 1/4-inch-diced potato
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Make the Crust
- Place the flour, salt, and butter in a large bowl.
- Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Work as quickly as possible to prevent the dough from becoming warm.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture and, using a cold knife, stir until the dough binds together. Add more cold water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the mixture is too dry.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Make the Filling and Form the Pasties
- Place the steak, potato, swede, and onion in a large mixing bowl and combine. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak, potato, carrot, and onion in a large mixing bowl and combine. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oven to 220C/425 F. Divide the pastry into four equal pieces and roll each piece into rounds the size of a tea plate—approximately 6 to 7 inches in diameter.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among each pastry circle and place it on one side. Brush the edges with the beaten egg.
- Fold the circle in half over the filling so the two edges meet. Crimp the edges together to create a tight seal. Brush each pasty all over with the remaining beaten egg.
- Place the pasties on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 350 F (177 C/Gas Mark 4) and bake another 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or cooled.