Create a vegan feast this Easter, from breakfast to dessert – we've got vegan hot cross buns, roasted cabbage steaks, pulled jackfruit sliders and vegan eton mess
Looking for an impressive vegan menu for Easter Sunday? We've got you covered with these gorgeous recipes, including vegan french toast, roast savoy cabbage with orzo, fluffy vegan scones and much more. For more Easter recipe inspiration, see our best ever Easter recipes, Easter dinner recipes, Easter baking ideas and Easter desserts, and make sure to use up any leftovers from Easter weekend with our best Easter leftovers recipes. Looking for the best Easter gifts for friends and family on 9 April this year? We've picked out the best gift ideas to make sure that it's an Easter weekend to remember, from sweet and savoury hampers to chocolate treats, a bottle to bring to Easter lunch and Easter-themed kitchenware. You could also treat friends or family to an afternoon tea with an Easter twist – check out these Easter table décor ideas for the best tableware to add to your celebrations. Next discover 10 things I wish I knew before going vegan and the best vegan storecupboard essential ingredients. Find out why some alcohol isn't vegan and learn about the best accidentally vegan foods. 36 vegan recipes for your Easter menu Breakfast and brunch Start Easter Sunday right with our plant-based twist on this popular Easter bake. Discover more of our vegan breakfast recipes. Vegan french toast A maple-cinnamon glaze helps the toast crisp up and caramelise to make this vegan french toast. Serve with coconut yogurt and berries for a fruity breakfast treat. Confit garlic with roasted tomatoes on toast British tomatoes are used in this deconstructed version of 'pan con tomate', a Spanish breakfast staple. Make it for a healthy start to Easter festivities. Miso chickpeas and avocado on toast Avocado on toast is livened up with sesame seeds and spring onions for a hearty brunch. It's also a great way to use storecupboard staples, such as chickpeas and miso paste. Banana malt loaf Treat yourself on Easter weekend to this moist vegan loaf, starring tea-infused dried fruit and malt extract. The malt adds an extra-nutty, caramel-like taste to this moreish treat. Vegan tofu scramble For a vegan alternative to eggs, try our tofu scramble packed with smoked tofu, punchy chilli and pan-fried courgette. Sunday lunch, dinner & sides Vegan wellington Level up your kitchen skills and impress your vegan friends with our alternative vegan centrepiece, packed with roasted red peppers, cooked beetroot and kale. Plus, we've made a vegan stuffing and glazed the pastry in Marmite to take this wellington to the next level. Our whole roast cauliflower is a healthier vegan main, so you can enjoy it alongside a variety of vegan side dishes. Roasted cabbage steaks with hazelnut dressing Put red cabbage to good use with these roasted steaks – the mint and chilli add a zingy flavour if you're after a lighter main or sharing side dish. Green bean salad with mustardy dressing Char your green beans on a griddle pan and mix with a mustardy dressing to make this fresh, crunchy side. Aubergine stuffed with pisto Stuff aubergine with tomatoes and fragrant spices, then top with a crunchy sourdough mixture for an original vegan main. Vegan mushroom ragu Serve this large ragu platter for a hearty vegan main – it's packed with umami flavours and 'meaty' textures. You may make more ragu than you need, but it freezes well in portions. Vegan butternut squash pie Treat your vegan friends to this homemade spiced butternut pie made with vegan pie crust. It's also great the next day – leftovers are good for lunch with a dollop of mango chutney or extra harissa swirled into some coconut yogurt. Vegan risotto This wonderfully green risotto sings with fresh spring flavours – it's sprinkled with a little nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. Sunblush tomato and olive vegan paella Packed with Mediterranean flavours, this plant-based paella will impress vegans and meat-eaters alike. Tofu piccata Replace chicken with sautéed tofu in this clever vegan twist on the classic dish, served with a white wine sauce and long-stemmed broccoli. This recipe is perfect for a simple family dinner to enjoy after Easter weekend. Roast savoy cabbage with orzo Roast savoy cabbages are a fun and original vegan alternative to a classic roast. Choose harissa for a spicy kick or tomato pesto for a more rounded, umami flavour. Vegetable crisps with curry salt Use up all your vegetable peelings to make these epic vegan crisps, flavoured with a simple curry spice. A great nibble to serve with a round of drinks. Pulled BBQ jackfruit sliders with mustard slaw Pulled jackfruit is perfect for soaking up the lip-smacking vegan BBQ sauce – it's spicy, smoky and slightly sharp, with a deep, dark sweetness. Warm hummus with pine nuts, raisins and olives Homemade hummus is levelled up with a sprinkling of jewel-like pine nuts, raisins and olives. Grilled vegetable antipasti Kick off your Easter meal with a plate of grilled veg. Serve with fresh focaccia and olives as part of a colourful vegan spread. Purple sprouting broccoli tempura Leafy greens taste undeniably good in a crispy tempura batter, especially when dipped into a punchy ponzu sauce. Recreate for an impressive vegan Easter starter. Coconut and peanut aubergine curry This creamy coconut and peanut aubergine curry is vegan, under 300 calories and ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect comforting meal for Easter Sunday lunch. Desserts & baking Vegan scones Recreate these soft, fluffy vegan scones as part of an Easter afternoon tea. Serve with a plant-based spread or coconut whipping cream and jam, if you like. Discover more vegan baking ideas here. Vegan eton mess Aquafaba helps make glossy, chewy meringues in this vegan twist on eton mess. Pair it with coconut yogurt and fresh berries. We have more delicious vegan desserts for you to choose from. Vegan lemon drizzle cake You can still achieve a delicate, zingy vegan lemon cake without eggs, milk or butter. The key to that lemony tang is a good-quality lemon extract. Vegan chocolate cheesecake Silken tofu gives this vegan cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture. Use a good-quality dark chocolate for the filling and Oreos (yes, they're vegan!) for the base. Vegan brownies Bake a batch of these indulgent dark choc brownies and serve them with coffee for a sophisticated finish. Classic vegan carrot cake Friends and family will be hard-pressed to believe this carrot cake is vegan, featuring a surprising vegan ingredient that guarantees a moist sponge every time. Vegan chocolate cupcakes These chocolatey vegan morsels will disappear in minutes, thanks to the rich chocolate frosting. Vegan chocolate cake Decent espresso powder is the key to this luxurious vegan chocolate sponge, sandwiched with butter-free chocolate 'buttercream'. Vegan chocolate mousse Silken tofu is the secret ingredient in this smooth and creamy mousse. It's just as indulgent as the classic version, so everyone at the table will love it, vegan or not! Rhubarb compote Make a batch of rhubarb compote to pair with your dessert – it's flavoured with zesty orange and aromatic cardamom. It's also great dolloped on porridge and pancakes. Vegan lemon meringue pie A few swaps turns classic lemon meringue pie into a sunny vegan pud, so everyone at the table can enjoy. Vegan banana ice cream Pair a vegan dessert with our no-churn banana ice cream for the ultimate sweet ending to your Easter feast. Once you’re confident with the process, try experimenting with different flavours. Vegan cinnamon rolls Cinnamon rolls get a vegan makeover with tahini, cardamom and dates providing a creamy twist. Best served with a hot cup of coffee.
Wrap all the best parts of a roast dinner up in a crisp, fluffy, giant yorkshire pudding, with gravy on the side for dipping
Try our yorkshire pudding wrap recipe, then check out our yorkshire puddings, vegan yorkshire puddings and Christmas leftovers recipes. How to make the perfect yorkshire pudding wrap: cook's tips Chilling the batter overnight allows the starches to swell, creating a smoother, crispier yorkshire pudding. The cold batter also reacts with the hot oil, giving a better rise Don’t be tempted to open the door during cooking, as this will allow the steam to escape and may deflate your yorkshire puddings This recipe uses leftovers from a roast chicken dinner, but these can be swapped out for beef, lamb or pork and their trimmings – it will be equally delicious How to store yorkshire pudding wrap: Best eaten straightaway but will keep chilled in an airtight container overnight. How to serve yorkshire pudding wrap: Serve with a warm bowl of gravy for dipping. Yorkshire pudding wrap recipe
Sticky plum and earl grey ribs with plum and sesame salad
Use a dry rub of earl grey tea and sugar on ribs and leave to marinate, then coat in a rich plum sauce spiced with ginger, cinnamon, star anise and allspice for plenty of flavour
Try this sticky plum and earl grey ribs with plum and sesame salad, then check out our barbecue-style pork ribs, sticky Chinese ribs and our best plum recipes for more inspiration. Cook's tips: Japanese plums, with their red hue, are the type you'd typically find in the supermarket, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Damsons are excellent for jam and gin due to their slightly bitter flavour, golden Mirabelles are sweet and juicy, and greengages can vary between tart and sweet, depending on how ripe they are.
Grilled corn salad with tahini miso dressing
Griddle corn for a charred flavour that complements the sweet cherry tomatoes in this salad. Sprinkle over crumbled feta and dress in a tahini, miso and maple dressing
Try this grilled corn salad with tahini miso dressing, then check out our nectarine and chilli maple halloumi quinoa salad, baked feta salad and more vegetarian salad recipes. Also try our recipe for homemade miso ginger dressing.
Lamb cutlets with mustard and shallot sauce
Try our take on dibi, a Senegalese street food of roast lamb served with a piquant mustard dipping sauce on the side. It's perfect for sharing
Try our lamb cutlets with mustard and shallot sauce, then check out our lamb cutlets with celeriac slaw, grilled lamb cutlets with pesto and beans, lamb ribs, lamb neck with harissa and more lamb recipes. Lamb doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. Buying lesser-used, cheaper cuts means you’ll get the most from your meat and even more flavour, too. Shoulder is a great alternative to leg, either whole or chopped up for a stew. The scrag, cut from the neck, is also a great cost-cutting option, best used in casseroles and soups.
Celebrate Easter Sunday with a showstopping main. See our best Easter lamb recipes, including easy roasts and traybakes
Looking for Easter lamb recipes? Want the best leg of lamb or shoulder? See our easy roast lamb recipes, sure to impress the whole family. For even more inspiration see our complete lamb recipe collection, or use up some leftover lamb. Plus, see our best Easter baking ideas and our Easter desserts, including Easter cakes – you could bake a selection of your favourites and serve as part of an Easter afternoon tea. Catering for vegans is effortless with our vegan Easter recipes. Make sure to use up any leftovers from Easter weekend with our Easter leftovers recipes. Easter lamb recipes Nigerian-style roast lamb Slow-cooked, juicy lamb that melts in your mouth, seasoned with suya spice – a Nigerian street-food classic from the north. Combining the best of British and Nigerian flavours, this lamb is a perfect Easter dish, best served hot with jollof rice or roast potatoes, or both. Lamb shoulder with garlic potatoes and redcurrant glaze Check out this succulent slow-roasted lamb dish with crispy garlic potatoes. Our easy recipe is perfect for an impressive Sunday lunch centrepiece. Herb-stuffed rolled lamb breast Roll this great-value cut of lamb up with mustard and herbs, then bake until soft and tender so it falls apart into the white wine onion gravy. Roast left of lamb with anchovy, garlic and rosemary A punchy rub takes this roast joint to the next level, and yields a deliciously buttery sauce. Serve this on Easter Sunday with all the trimmings. Slow-cooked spiced lamb with orzo This effortless one-pot slow-cooked lamb is roasted with fragrant spices of cinnamon and allspice for gentle warmth. Fresh herbs, feta and lemon give everything a final lift. Tarragon and anchovy-stuffed lamb shoulder with fennel and bone marrow crumble Cotswold pub The Bull at Charlbury celebrates seasonal lamb with a herby, piquant filling of capers, anchovies, mustard and garlic for a flavoursome main. Slow roast lamb with wild oregano Impress the family at your Easter dinner with this succulent and comforting slow-roasted lamb recipe with wild oregano. Roast anchovy butter lamb with boulangere new potatoes This spring lamb recipe is one of our favourite showstoppers. The richness of the boulangère potatoes works wonders with the anchovy buttered lamb. Perfect for an easy weekend slow cook. Leg of lamb cooked with potatoes This recipe for leg of lamb cooked with potatoes is a really easy way to feed a crowd for Sunday lunch. The potatoes are cooked with the lamb, meaning there's a lot less time spent in the kitchen prepping. Roast leg of lamb with pomegranate and balsamic onions Give classic roast lamb a clever makeover. The sweetness of the roasted onions is offset by a good splash of balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate molasses is used with a touch of harissa as a glaze for the lamb. Roast shoulder of lamb and root vegetables with an onion sauce Just the ticket for a special Sunday dinner with the family, roast shoulder of lamb is served with baked Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips. Making your own onion gravy is really worth the extra effort. Slow-roast shoulder of lamb with wild garlic You can forage wild garlic for this recipe, but be sure of what you are picking, where you are picking it and only take young leaves so it will regrow the following year. Alternatively, you can buy it in farmer’s markets and delis. Lamb cutlets with mustard and shallot sauce Opt for a slightly different Easter main with these lamb cutlets, served with a piquant mustard and shallot dipping sauce on the side. Slow-cooked lamb with spring veg and fresh mint sauce The best roast lamb to share with the family. Spring veg goes so well with new season lamb. Peas and broad beans are harvested from April onwards, weather depending. Frozen will work just as well though. Make your own mint sauce, too – if you have some mint to hand, it's quick and easy, as well as being the best accompaniment to the lamb.
20 gluten-free recipes for your Easter menu
Whether you're looking for an Easter centrepiece, side dish or dessert, we've got a gluten-free option. From traditional lamb to creative veggie ideas, you're sure to find something you'll love
Looking for the best gluten-free Easter menu ideas? We've selected some of our favourite Easter dishes for you to try. From breakfast to brunch, and lunch to dessert, no one will even notice that there's no gluten involved! Check out our top Easter egg picks in our best supermarket Easter eggs guide, or discover even more sumptuous gluten-free recipes, including desserts and easy meals. Catering for vegans is effortless with our vegan Easter recipes, and make sure to use up any leftovers from Easter weekend with our best Easter leftovers recipes. Now find out how to follow a gluten-free diet. 20 gluten-free recipes for your Easter menu Breakfast & brunch Breakfast berry fro-yo Check out our quick and easy dairy-free breakfast pots. Packed with mixed berries and creamy coconut yogurt and topped with crunchy granola, this recipe is great for a vibrant Easter breakfast. Be sure to choose gluten-free granola. Find more gluten-free breakfast ideas. Coddled duck eggs with smoked haddock and spinach For an exciting way to cook eggs, try our easy recipe for rich coddled duck eggs baked with soft smoked haddock and topped with fresh chives. It's perfect for an Easter brunch. Simply serve with your favourite gluten-free loaf rather than sourdough. Buckwheat pancakes Who doesn't love pancakes for breakfast? This recipe for cinnamon gluten-free buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, yogurt, and fresh raspberries is super-simple to make and tastes delicious. Not a fan of buckwheat? Try these gluten-free banana pancakes instead. Tex-Mex baked avocados Go all out with this fuss-free brunch to impress, packed with juicy tomatoes, eggs and avocados. Serve with your favourite gluten-free bread for a more substantial offering. Lunch, dinner & sides Burrata with sweet and sour spring veg A fresh and colourful way to eat burrata, this super-quick salad is the perfect light Easter lunch or starter to share. Sit the creamy cheese on top of pickled asparagus, baby carrots, radishes and more, then drizzle the whole lot with olive oil. Check out more gluten-free lunches here. Herb-stuffed rolled lamb breast Roll this great-value cut of lamb up with mustard and herbs, then bake until soft and tender so it falls apart into the white wine onion gravy. Lamb shoulder with garlic potatoes and redcurrant glaze Check out this succulent slow-roasted lamb dish with crispy garlic potatoes. Our easy recipe is perfect for an impressive Sunday lunch or Easter centrepiece. Discover more gluten-free dinners here. Roast pork with hasselback potatoes Not a fan of lamb? Try pork! This beauty was the cover recipe for our March 2020 issue. Slow-roasted pork, crisp roasties and a quick gremolata for a splash of colour – it's got Sunday written all over it. Baked lemon chicken This moreish traybake is packed with crisp chicken thighs, creamy lemon sauce and fragrant rosemary. Plus, it looks so pretty in the pan, you can serve straight from oven to table. Spring veg and paneer pie with bombay potato crust Looking for a vegetarian centrepiece? Vibrant curry spices lift this clever potato-topped pie for the ultimate family meal. Stuffed with green beans, asparagus and peas, it's full of the good stuff, too. Hasselback harissa roast squash Vegetarian and gluten-free eaters won't be missing out with this impressive centrepiece. Sweet roasted squash, spicy harissa and salty feta combine to create a top alternative to a roast joint. Green bean salad with mustardy dressing Green beans taste delicious simply steamed, but even better charred on a griddle pan and mixed with a mustardy dressing. Charred onions with balsamic, walnuts and ricotta Brush sweet onions in a balsamic honey glaze, bake until tender and serve with dollops of creamy ricotta for an easy veggie side. Star anise-glazed carrots These carrots with a sweet anise glaze make a great side. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're also quick, easy and vegetarian. New potato salad with aïoli Crisp, golden potatoes are paired with fresh radish and zingy aïoli – a perfect way to enjoy the first new potatoes of the season. Desserts & baking Gluten-free scones Does anything scream afternoon tea more than a soft, buttery scone topped with thick clotted cream and your favourite jam? Try these for a sweet afternoon treat. Gluten-free chocolate truffle cake This flourless, gluten-free chocolate cake is extremely smooth, with a similar consistency to a chocolate torte. The amaretto lifts the richness of the chocolate. Affogato chocolate mousse After all that cooking, why not round off the day with this super-quick and easy chocolate and espresso mousse? These creamy, gluten-free puds can easily be made ahead, and are ready in just 15 minutes. Jamaican ginger and caramel cake Caramac drizzle creates a stunning drip finish to this impressive layer cake, perfect for an extra-special Easter celebration. Whipped avocado with frozen yogurt and meringue If you really want a showstopping dessert, why not try this recipe for whipped avocado with frozen yogurt and meringue? This unique dessert comes from chef Merlin Labron-Johnson (previously Portland restaurant, now chef owner of Osip in Bruton), and proves avocado can do everything. Tracey Raye is the health editor for olive and BBC Good Food. Tracey, MSc, is a registered nutritionist, holding a master’s degree in Personalised Nutrition. She is passionate about harnessing the power of all things health and well-being – in a way that enhances, rather than limits our lives. She covers our nourishing recipes and collections, oversees our health strategy and stays adrift of the latest health and lifestyle trends in order to bring you the tools and inspiration you need to find what health means for you.
Serve our meat-free version of beef wellington for your next Sunday lunch, where mushrooms provide a deliciously meaty texture
Try our mushroom Wellington then check out our vegetarian wellington, cauliflower wellington and more vegetarian entertaining ideas. Traditionally a wellington consists of a fillet of beef, spread with pâté and wrapped in puff pastry, baked and served sliced. In this vegetarian version mushrooms provide a delicious meaty texture and, along with nuts, herbs and spices, pack in plenty of flavour. How to make the perfect mushroom wellington: cook's tips If your baking tray is large enough to work off then try assembling the wellington on it to make moving it easier. The choice of mushrooms is up to you – just stick to the given weights. How to make mushroom wellington in advance: Just wrap and seal the mushroom mixture in the pastry then chill, for up to eight hours before brushing with beaten egg and baking as per the recipe. How to serve mushroom wellington: Serve whole to the table, then slice and plate up with green vegetables and potatoes of your choice. Can I reheat mushroom wellington? It's best eaten on the day it’s made although it can be reheated, just make sure its piping hot before serving. Mushroom wellington recipe
Bring the cosiness of a great pub to your home with recipes from olive's favourite pub chefs. Try buttermilk fried chicken wings, chickpea chips, black forest meringues and more
We've curated our favourite pub food recipes so you can make a star-studded three-course meal in the comfort of your own home. For starters, try The Tamil Prince's irresistible spicy chicken lollipops, followed by a hearty main of roasted cod with brown shrimp and parsley sauce from The Coach Makers. For dessert, indulge in a white chocolate crème brûlée, brought to you by Belgravia gastropub Ganymede, or deep-fried beignets from London's Cajun and Creole-focused pub-restaurant, Plaquemine Lock. Check out more impressive pub food recipes below. After, check out the UK's best pubs with rooms, best London pubs, best country pubs and the UK's boutique hotels for food lovers. Next discover the best walks in the UK. Pub food starters and sides Mince on toast Start your pub-themed feast with this comforting starter of slow-cooked beef mince in red wine and tomato, brought to you by London restaurant The Pelican. Heap onto toasted sourdough brushed with beef dripping and top with grated cheddar. Spicy chicken lollipops Chicken is coated in chilli, garlic, garam masala and turmeric before being fried and baked in this crowd-pleasing snack, best served with beers. This recipe comes from The Tamil Prince in London. Doubanjiang mushrooms Mushrooms are cooked in doubanjiang paste and served with hummus and crispy wonton wrappers in this sharing dish. This recipe comes from Ling Ling's at The Gun, Hackney. Panisse with yogurt dip Dashi powder adds an extra savoury hit in these moreish chickpea chips, brought to you by Michelin-starred The Bridge Arms. Lamb scrumpets Swap chicken nuggets for this upscale bar snack. Coat lamb breast in panko breadcrumbs, fry until golden and crispy and top with flaky sea salt, a squidge of lemon and serve with anchovy mayonnaise. Ricotta dumplings Nothing says comfort like a bowl of dumplings. Combining ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg and parsley, and served with buttery peas, this vibrant green dish makes a change from standard pub fare. Shrimp maque choux This shrimp starter gets its kick from a homemade Creole spice mixture, made with paprika, cayenne, garlic, ginger, thyme and oregano. You can find this on the menu at London-based Plaquemine Lock. Buttermilk fried chicken wings Coming straight from the kitchen of The Fox at Oddington, try this recipe for crisp-coated chicken wings slathered in a sweet and spicy sauce. Ham hock terrine A classic ham hock terrine will never go out of style, especially when served with homemade piccalilli. This recipe comes from The Merry Harriers, based in the small picture-postcard village of Hambledon. Smoked cod's roe dip with spring vegetables, soft-boiled eggs and flatbreads From the Sun Inn, Dedham, try this multicoloured platter of crunchy spring veg, soft-boiled eggs and salted cod’s roe dip. Pub food mains Roast spatchcock chicken mojo rojo Roast chicken is drizzled in a garlic pesto and served with salad and veg for a Mediterranean touch. This recipe comes from The Sun Inn pub in Dedham. Roasted cod, brown shrimp and parsley sauce Crisp-skinned cod fillets with a buttery parsley sauce and brown shrimp – it's a beautifully simple dish that's perfect for a special Sunday lunch. This dish comes from Marylebone pub, The Coach Makers. Larb sandos This vegan sub from Mondo Sando, the London sandwich experts, has a few different elements, but the results are epic. Blackened chicken with beans and rice This Louisiana-inspired recipe from Plaquemine Lock sees chicken thighs coated in a punchy spice blend before being blackened in a pan and served with beans and rice. Pumpkin gnudi Recreate this impressive vegetarian main from The Baring pub kitchen, where pumpkin and ricotta dumplings and crisp radicchio lie in a tangy buttermilk sauce. Turkey, leek and bacon pie The Pelican in Notting Hill shares its comforting turkey, leek and bacon pie, although you could substitute the turkey for chicken thighs. Serve with your sides of choice, such as gravy, glazed carrots and stuffing. Game dumplings with bashed neeps Homemade game dumplings are matched with crushed swede and a rich red wine sauce in this fancy main from Mark Hix. Pub food desserts White chocolate crème brûlée Blueberries lend a fruity and zingy twist to a classic crème brûlée. This recipes comes from Belgravia gastropub, Ganymede. Beignets Find these puffy, deep-fried pastry treats at the Plaquemine Lock's Cajun and Creole-inspired menu. It's perfect for an after-dinner bite. Financiers with poached plums The bulk of this stylish pud can be prepped in advance, so it's ideal for a dinner party. Brought to you by London pub, The Baring. Black forest meringues Dark chocolate and boozy cherries are matched with fluffy meringues and ice cream in this decadent black forest dessert by Mark Hix. Sourdough breakfast buns Pillowy soft buns are filled with citrus fruit, thyme and a sticky brown-sugar filling, perfect with your afternoon brew. The recipe comes from The Gin Trap Inn, Norfolk. Pub food drinks Miss Ginny cocktail This four-ingredient cocktail from Creole-focused pub Plaquemine Lock is laced with a mix of zesty and bitter flavours.
This golden-crusted, rich braised beef and mushroom pie is the ultimate winter comfort. Enjoy with your favourite greens and buttery mash, and drown in gravy
Recreate this braised beef and mushroom pie, then check out our mushroom wellington, chicken and chorizo pie, Venison pie and more easy pie recipes. olive columnist Rosie Birkett writes: "Have you ever considered the idiom ‘humble pie’? It’s thought to derive from the term ‘numble pie’ (later the ‘n’ was dropped, becoming ‘umble’), which referred to the deer offal meat pie served to the lower classes in medieval times. But, for me, a pie is a truly beautiful thing. Breaking through that golden, flaky crust to reveal a rich, unctuous braise steaming underneath has got to be up there with the most exciting dinner table moments. "The reason that I love pies goes beyond the fact that they are warming and comforting to eat. There’s so much pleasure to be taken in the crafting of a homemade pie, from the browning of the meat or veg for the filling, to the bringing together of the pastry – this is a slow, gentle act of self-care and anticipation which is worth setting aside a few hours for. Pies are also a brilliantly effortless, yet special way to feed a tableful of hungry people because they are the ultimate make-ahead. Do your braising, make your pastry and even assemble the pie the day before, and you’re ready to bring it out of the fridge, glaze it once more with beaten egg and then bake it off while you prepare any sides, leaving plenty of time to have fun with your family or guests. "This recipe is my ultimate beef and mushroom, and it’s one to take the time to slow braise. You could use a slow cooker, if you have one, to make the beefy filling, as this would be more energy efficient. But, if not, you could make sure you also cook something in the oven while the filling braises – jacket potatoes, perhaps, or some hard roasted veg. "This recipe calls for suet pastry, because I love how it mops up the rich, savoury beef gravy, but shortcrust or even puff works well too, and, of course, shop bought is fine if the braising of the filling is the most time investment you can give to this. "I’m married to a Yorkshireman, so most beef pies now have to be accompanied by yorkshire puddings, and they are rather lovely with the pie filling ladled in, but roast or jacket potatoes make a nice accompaniment, too, along with some steamed or sautéed spring greens or sprout tops." Rosie's top tips Make your braised filling ahead and freeze it for future use. Just get it out of the freezer, defrost it fully and then follow the rest of the steps to finish it. Suet pastry is more sticky and elastic than other pastry, so have some flour to hand to lightly dust the rolling pin and the worksurface as you roll it out to avoid it sticking. If the braise looks dry at any point, add a glass of water to it – you want lots of lovely flavourful juices to make that amazing gravy. Follow Rosie on Instagram @homeandgardenbythesea and @rosiefoodie.