Sampling Traditional Pies in Cornwall, England
Cornwall, a charming county located in the southwestern tip of England, is a place brimming with culture, picturesque landscapes, and, importantly, delicious traditional foods. Among its array of culinary delights, traditional pies stand out as a must-try for anyone visiting this lovely part of the world. Let’s take a savory journey through Cornwall, sampling some of the most mouth-watering pies that the area has to offer.
The Iconic Cornish Pasty
When talking about pies in Cornwall, the Cornish pasty steals the spotlight. This iconic pie isn’t just a treat; it’s a cultural heritage, an emblem of Cornish identity. The classic Cornish pasty is a marvel of baking – a semi-circular pastry shell crimped on one side, not the top, encasing a hearty filling of beef, potatoes, swede (that’s rutabaga for the Americans), and onions. The story goes that these pasties were the perfect lunch for Cornish miners, the crust serving as a handle they could hold with dirty hands, eating the filling and discarding the crust.
Sampling a genuine Cornish pasty in Cornwall is an experience steeped in tradition. Each bite offers a taste of history, with the flavors melding together in a way that speaks to the pasty’s humble beginnings and its journey through time. It’s not just about eating; it’s about connecting with Cornwall itself.
The Stargazy Pie – A Sight to Behold
Venturing into more unique territory, the Stargazy pie is a dish that captures the imagination. This peculiar pie, traditionally eaten during Tom Bawcock’s Eve to celebrate a legendary fisherman’s catch, features whole fish baked into a pie, with their heads poking through the crust, as if gazing at the stars. The pie’s contents typically include pilchards or sardines, eggs, potatoes, and sometimes bacon, enveloped in a creamy sauce.
Tasting Stargazy pie is like diving into Cornwall’s deep connection with the sea. The presentation might be a bit startling at first, but the flavors are rich, fishy, and utterly Cornish, offering a direct link to the county’s fishing traditions.
Hevva Cake: The Sweet Pie
While not a pie in the traditional sense, Hevva cake or Cornish heavy cake deserves a mention for its pie-like appearance and historical significance. This sweet, heavy cake is closely related to the fishing industry and was traditionally made by the fishermen’s wives. When a shoal of pilchards was sighted, a “huers” would shout “Hevva!”, and the women would begin baking this cake to welcome the men home.
Hevva cake is a simple treat, typically made from flour, butter, milk, sugar, and raisins or currants, marked on top with a pattern resembling the fishing nets. Trying this cake provides a sweet interlude in your pie sampling journey, offering a taste of the communal spirit that defines Cornwall.
Savory and Sweet: A Balanced Exploration
Sampling pies in Cornwall offers a beautiful balance between savory and sweet, reflecting the region’s landscape and history. From the rugged cliffs and wild seas to the green hills and ancient mines, the variety of pies tells stories of the land and the people who have lived here for generations.
Each pie, whether a hearty pasty, a fish-filled spectacle, or a sweet, dense cake, carries with it the essence of Cornwall. Dining on these traditional dishes allows visitors to partake in the county’s rich culinary heritage, offering a deeper understanding of Cornish culture.
Tips for the Ultimate Pie Sampling Experience
- Local Bakeries and Pubs: To taste the best pies Cornwall has to offer, head to local bakeries and pubs. These establishments pride themselves on their traditional recipes and quality ingredients.
- Festivals and Events: Keep an eye out for local food festivals and events where you can sample various pies and other Cornish specialties in one place.
- Ask the Locals: There’s no better way to find the best spots for traditional pies than by asking local residents. They’ll be able to point you to hidden gems.
- Seasonal Varieties: Some pies or ingredients might be seasonal, so be open to trying different varieties depending on the time of year you visit.
Embarking on a pie sampling adventure in Cornwall offers more than just culinary delights; it provides a pathway into the heart of Cornish culture and history. Each pie, with its unique flavors and story, invites travelers to dig deeper into the traditions that have shaped this enchanting part of England. So, the next time you find yourself in Cornwall, remember to leave room for a pie, or two, or three!