Moose Meat Pie

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Difficulty Level: Medium
Makes: 8 servings

Introduction:

Moose meat is lean, flavorful, and a great alternative to traditional beef or pork in many recipes. When combined with hearty vegetables and wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, it makes for an incredibly satisfying and comforting dish. Moose meat pie, often referred to as a “Moose Pot Pie” in some regions, is a rustic and delicious way to enjoy this game meat. This savory pie is perfect for a cold winter night or as a special family dinner.

With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Moose Meat Pie from scratch. The filling is rich and savory, filled with tender chunks of moose meat, vegetables, and a savory gravy, all enclosed in a buttery, flaky pie crust. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 500g (1 lb) moose meat, diced into small chunks (shoulder or stew cuts are ideal)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if preferred)

• 1 cup beef or game broth (moose or venison broth if you have it)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• 6-8 tbsp ice water

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Equipment:

• A 9-inch pie dish

• Large frying pan or skillet

• Rolling pin

• Bowl for mixing dough

• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Making your own pie crust from scratch adds a delicious, homemade touch to your Moose Meat Pie. Follow these steps:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour and 1 tsp salt.

2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse it in a food processor for quicker results.

3. Add ice water: Slowly add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix; you want the dough to be just hydrated enough to form a ball.

4. Chill the dough: Once the dough is combined, divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Moose Meat Filling

1. Brown the moose meat: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced moose meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the moose meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Add the root vegetables: Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the skillet, stirring everything together.

4. Make the gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything with the flour. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flour cook out.

5. Add the liquid: Pour in the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the gravy has thickened.

6. Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a richer filling, you can also stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at this stage. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit the bottom of your pie dish. The dough should be about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer it to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides.

3. Add the filling: Spoon the moose meat filling into the pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.

4. Top with the second crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch over the edges, then pinch the edges of the two crusts together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative touch.

5. Create vents: Cut several small slits in the top of the pie with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape while the pie bakes.

6. Egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust to give the pie a golden, shiny finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

2. Cool and serve: Once baked, let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling set so that it won’t run when you cut into it.

Tips for the Perfect Moose Meat Pie:

1. Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor of the pie and give it a more aromatic and savory taste. If using fresh herbs, double the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.

2. Add flavor with mushrooms: If you enjoy mushrooms, add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms to the filling for extra depth of flavor. Mushrooms also add moisture to the pie, making the filling even more tender.

3. Let the pie rest: Once baked, let the pie rest before cutting. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.

4. Use game broth if available: If you have access to moose or other game broth, use it in place of beef broth for a more authentic flavor.

5. Make ahead: This pie can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 7g

• Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 400mg

• Potassium: 700mg

Conclusion:

This Moose Meat Pie recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the unique flavor of moose meat in a hearty, comforting dish. With a rich, savory filling, buttery flaky crust, and a satisfying blend of vegetables, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a satisfying meal, this pie will not disappoint. Enjoy it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete, delicious meal!