Bacon and Cabbage Pie (Irish)

Cooked in a creamy white sauce and then baked under a buttery puff pastry lid, this a true comfort food treat. For a bit of variation, try mixing some cheddar cheese in alongside the ham and cabbage when you mix through the white sauce.

butter (30 g)
1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced into half moons
1 head green cabbage, cut roughly
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
chicken stock, hot (350 mL)
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp. English mustard
heavy cream (150 mL)
cooked ham, cut into chunks (400 g)
frozen puff pastry, thawed (350 g)
1 large free-range egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, Gas Mark 4).

Melt (25 g) of the butter in a large frying pan, add the onions and fry slowly for about 15 minutes or until softened and caramelised. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Steam the cabbage in a metal steamer until al dente (i.e. not completely tender) then drain and refresh in a bowl of iced water.

Melt the remaining (50 g) of butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, add the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking to combine. Gradually add the stock whisking briskly until it thickens. If it goes a little lumpy, don’t worry; just whisk vigorously until it becomes smooth.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of salt, black pepper and add the mustard. Pour in the cream and stir through allowing to cook for a further minute.

Add the cabbage, ham and cooked onions to the sauce and stir well. Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish. Roll the pastry out on to a floured work surface, large enough to fit the top of the dish.

Brush the edges of the dish with a little beaten egg and place the pastry on top of the pie. Brush with a little more beaten egg and cook in the oven for 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Makes 6 servings.