📝 About This Recipe
A legendary open-topped British classic, the Homity Pie is a soul-warming celebration of humble ingredients like buttery potatoes, sweet leeks, and sharp cheddar. Originally popularized by the Land Girls during WWII, this dish has become a vegetarian staple in English pubs for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. With its golden, cheesy crust and fragrant hint of garlic and herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening.
🥗 Ingredients
The Shortcrust Pastry
- 250 grams All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 125 grams Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
- 2-3 tablespoons Ice cold water
The Hearty Filling
- 900 grams Maris Piper or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 2cm chunks)
- 50 grams Unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- 2 pieces Large leeks (cleaned and thinly sliced)
- 1 piece Yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
- 200 grams Mature English Cheddar (grated)
- 3 tablespoons Heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme (leaves only)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Start by making the pastry: In a large bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and salt using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
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2
Add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a cold knife until the dough just comes together. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
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3
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
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4
While potatoes boil, melt 50g of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks, cooking slowly for 10 minutes until soft and translucent.
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5
Stir the minced garlic into the leek mixture and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
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6
Drain the potatoes and let them steam-dry for a minute. Return them to the pot and lightly crush them with a fork—you want some chunks to remain for texture.
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7
Roll out your chilled pastry on a floured surface to about 3mm thick. Line a 23cm (9-inch) deep-dish tart tin or pie dish, leaving a slight overhang. Prick the base with a fork.
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8
Line the pastry with parchment paper and baking beans. Blind bake for 12 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and bake for another 5 minutes until the base is sandy to the touch.
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9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed potatoes, the sautéed leek and onion mixture, half of the grated cheddar, the heavy cream, parsley, thyme, and nutmeg.
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10
Season the filling generously with salt and a lot of freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently to combine all the flavors.
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11
Spoon the filling into the par-baked pastry case, smoothing it out to the edges.
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12
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top of the pie. Place the pie in the center of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
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13
Allow the pie to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve clean wedges.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best flavor, use the sharpest 'Extra Mature' Cheddar you can find to contrast the creamy potatoes. Ensure your butter and water are ice-cold when making the pastry to achieve a perfectly flaky crust. Don't over-mash the potatoes; the rustic charm of a Homity Pie comes from the chunky, irregular texture of the filling. If the edges of your pastry brown too quickly, cover them with a little foil while the cheese finishes melting. You can add a handful of sautéed spinach or even some crispy bacon bits for a non-traditional but delicious twist.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of buttery garden peas or a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette. A dollop of spicy English chutney on the side cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. Pair with a glass of dry West Country apple cider for an authentic British pub experience. Roasted root vegetables like honey-glazed carrots make a wonderful accompaniment during winter months. Leftovers are fantastic cold or at room temperature, making this a great addition to a picnic basket.