Stargazing Delight: Making the Perfect Stargazy Pie

Stargazy Pie is a traditional Cornish dish with a distinct appearance that is hard to miss. A baked dish typically made of pilchards, potatoes, eggs, and onions, this pie is recognizable for the fish heads protruding from the crust. It might seem unusual, but its history and taste have made it a Cornish favourite. Here's everything you need to know about making the perfect Stargazy Pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Stargazy Pie, you will need a few ingredients. These include:

• 1 packet of shortcrust pastry
• 8 oz. boneless pilchard fillet
• 2 large potatoes, peeled, chopped, and boiled
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A beaten egg to glaze

The Recipe

Here is a step-by-step recipe to help you make your very own Stargazy Pie:

Step 1: Preparing the Fish Filling

Start by preparing the fish filling. Cut the pilchards into small pieces and mix with the chopped onion, boiled potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Preparing the Pastry

Roll out the shortcrust pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out a 10-inch circle, then a strip of pastry to fit around the edge of the pie dish. Line the pie dish with the pastry circle and trim as needed. Brush the edge of the pastry with some beaten egg mixture, then place the strip of pastry around the edge of the dish.

Step 3: Adding the Filling

Add the fish filling to the pastry-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the sliced eggs into the filling.

Step 4: Creating the Stargazy Effect

Roll out and cut a pastry round to fit the top of the pie. Place this over the filling and trim the edges. Make six small slits in the center of the pastry, leaving the edges free. Place the fish heads through the holes so that they protrude from the pastry. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg and bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Stargazy Pie may seem like an unappealing dish, but it tastes amazing. The pie originated in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole and is traditionally eaten on Tom Bawcock's Eve, celebrated on December 23rd each year. If you’re looking for something unique and tasty, give this traditional pie a try.