Meat pies. Comfort food royalty. Savory fillings encased in golden, flaky pastry. But what transforms a delicious meat pie into a truly memorable meal? The perfect side dish, of course! Choosing the right accompaniment can elevate the flavors, balance the richness, and add textural contrast that will leave you utterly satisfied. Let’s delve into the world of side dishes and discover the best partners for your beloved meat pies.
The Importance of a Complementary Side Dish
A meat pie, with its rich and often hearty filling, benefits greatly from a side that offers balance. Think about it: the pie provides the savory, meaty, and often buttery components. What it sometimes lacks is a touch of freshness, acidity, or lightness. This is where the side dish steps in, providing a counterpoint that enhances the overall dining experience. A well-chosen side can also introduce different textures, preventing the meal from becoming monotonous.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a harmonious pairing where the pie and side dish work together, neither overpowering the other. You want them to complement each other, enhancing the flavors and textures to create a more complete and satisfying meal.
Classic Side Dish Choices That Always Work
Some side dishes are classics for a reason – they consistently deliver a delightful pairing with meat pies. Let’s explore a few of these tried-and-true options.
Mashed Potatoes: A Timeless Comfort Food Companion
Mashed potatoes are perhaps the quintessential side dish for meat pies. Their creamy, comforting texture provides a wonderful contrast to the flaky crust and savory filling of the pie.
The key to successful mashed potatoes is to ensure they are well-seasoned and smooth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additions like garlic, herbs, or even a swirl of brown butter for extra flavor. They act as a blank canvas, absorbing the rich gravy from the pie and creating a truly harmonious bite. Mashed potatoes offer a familiar and comforting element that never fails to please.
Green Vegetables: Adding Freshness and Color
A serving of green vegetables is a welcome addition to any meat pie meal. They provide a much-needed dose of freshness and color, brightening up the plate and adding valuable nutrients.
Peas: A Simple and Sweet Addition
Simple buttered peas are a classic choice. Their sweetness and tenderness complement the savory flavors of the pie beautifully.
Green Beans: A Crisp and Refreshing Choice
Green beans, whether steamed, sauteed, or roasted, offer a delightful crispness that contrasts nicely with the soft filling and flaky crust of the meat pie. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity.
Broccoli: Nutritious and Flavorful
Broccoli, steamed or roasted, is another excellent option. Its slightly bitter flavor provides a pleasant counterpoint to the richness of the pie. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the broccoli even further.
Gravy: Enhancing the Savory Flavors
While technically not a side dish in the traditional sense, extra gravy is always a welcome addition to a meat pie meal. It amplifies the savory flavors and adds an extra layer of richness.
Whether you use the same gravy that’s inside the pie or opt for a complementary flavor, such as a rich beef gravy or a creamy mushroom gravy, extra gravy will never go amiss. It’s the perfect way to soak up every last morsel of flavor from your plate.
Elevating Your Side Dish Game: Creative and Delicious Options
Beyond the classics, there are numerous other side dishes that can perfectly complement meat pies. These options offer a chance to get creative and explore different flavor combinations.
Coleslaw: A Crunchy and Tangy Contrast
Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat pie. The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the pie, cleansing the palate and preparing you for the next bite.
Experiment with different coleslaw variations, such as a classic creamy coleslaw, a vinegar-based coleslaw, or even a coleslaw with added fruits like apples or cranberries. The possibilities are endless!
Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet and Earthy Flavors
Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, offer a delightful combination of sweet and earthy flavors that pair beautifully with meat pies.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while their earthy undertones complement the savory flavors of the pie. Toss the vegetables with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Pickled Vegetables: A Tangy and Acidic Kick
Pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions, cucumbers, or beets, provide a tangy and acidic kick that can help to cut through the richness of the meat pie.
The acidity of the pickling brine helps to cleanse the palate and balance the flavors of the meal. The crunchy texture of the pickled vegetables also adds a welcome contrast to the soft filling and flaky crust of the pie. Pickled vegetables offer a sharp and refreshing element.
Salads: Light and Refreshing Options
A light and refreshing salad is an excellent way to balance the richness of a meat pie.
Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A Classic Choice
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a classic choice. The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the pie.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A Refreshing Combination
A cucumber and tomato salad, with its juicy vegetables and light dressing, is another excellent option. The coolness of the cucumber and the sweetness of the tomato provide a welcome contrast to the warmth and richness of the pie.
Side Dish Considerations Based on Meat Pie Filling
The type of meat pie you’re serving can influence the best side dish pairing. Consider the flavors and ingredients of the filling when making your selection.
Beef Pie: Hearty and Savory Pairings
For a classic beef pie, hearty and savory side dishes are a natural fit. Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and green beans all work exceptionally well.
Consider adding a horseradish cream to your mashed potatoes for an extra kick that complements the richness of the beef.
Chicken Pie: Lighter and More Delicate Options
Chicken pies, with their lighter and more delicate flavors, often pair well with lighter and more refreshing side dishes. Coleslaw, a simple green salad, or steamed asparagus are all excellent choices.
A squeeze of lemon juice over the asparagus can brighten the flavors and complement the chicken beautifully.
Lamb Pie: Robust and Flavorful Companions
Lamb pies, with their robust and flavorful fillings, can handle more assertive side dishes. Roasted vegetables with herbs, pickled onions, or a couscous salad are all great options.
A sprinkle of feta cheese over the couscous salad can add a salty and tangy element that complements the lamb perfectly.
Vegetarian Pie: Versatile Pairings
Vegetarian pies offer a lot of versatility when it comes to side dish pairings. Depending on the filling, you can opt for classic options like mashed potatoes and green vegetables or more creative choices like roasted root vegetables or a quinoa salad.
Consider the specific vegetables and flavors in the pie when making your selection. For example, a mushroom and spinach pie might pair well with a side of roasted garlic asparagus.
Tips for Preparing the Perfect Side Dish
- Consider the overall balance of the meal. Aim for a combination of flavors and textures that complement the meat pie.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different side dishes and flavor combinations to find your favorites.
- Season your side dishes well. Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors and creating a harmonious pairing.
- Prepare your side dish while the meat pie is baking. This ensures that everything is ready at the same time.
- Serve your meat pie and side dish immediately. Freshly prepared food always tastes best.
Choosing the right side dish can transform a simple meat pie into a truly memorable meal. By considering the flavors, textures, and overall balance of the meal, you can create a harmonious pairing that will leave you utterly satisfied. So, the next time you’re serving meat pies, don’t settle for a mediocre side dish – explore the possibilities and discover your new favorite combination! Remember, the perfect side dish is the one that elevates the entire dining experience.
What are some classic side dish pairings for meat pies?
A few classic side dish pairings that always work well with meat pies include mashed potatoes, gravy, and steamed vegetables. These options provide a comforting and familiar complement to the richness of the meat pie, offering contrasting textures and flavors that enhance the overall dining experience. The creamy potatoes balance the savory filling, the gravy adds extra moisture and depth, and the vegetables provide a healthy dose of freshness.
Beyond the basics, consider other traditional sides like mushy peas, baked beans, or even a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. These choices offer a different perspective on the classic pairing, bringing unique flavors and textures to the table. Mushy peas, a British staple, add a creamy and slightly sweet element, while baked beans offer a heartier and more substantial side. A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meat pie.
Can I serve a salad with meat pies, and if so, what kind?
Yes, serving a salad with meat pies is a fantastic way to add freshness and lightness to your meal. Opt for salads that offer a contrast to the savory and often rich nature of the pie. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is always a reliable choice, but you can also consider incorporating ingredients like crisp apples, walnuts, or cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Alternatively, explore heartier salads with a bit more substance. A chopped salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy dressing can provide a satisfying and refreshing counterpoint to the meat pie. Quinoa salads with roasted vegetables or a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese and olives are also excellent options for a more substantial and flavorful salad pairing.
What are some good vegetable side dishes to serve with meat pies?
There’s a wide range of vegetable side dishes that complement meat pies beautifully. Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli are simple and healthy options that provide a nice pop of color and freshness. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, offer a touch of sweetness that balances the savory pie filling.
For a heartier vegetable side, consider mashed cauliflower, creamed spinach, or a vegetable gratin. These options add richness and depth to the meal while still providing essential nutrients. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or balsamic glaze are another flavorful and satisfying choice, offering a slightly bitter and savory counterpoint to the meat pie.
What types of gravy go well with meat pies?
A classic beef gravy is a natural and delicious pairing for most meat pies, particularly those filled with beef or lamb. The rich, savory flavor of the gravy enhances the overall richness of the pie, adding moisture and depth to the meal. Consider using homemade gravy or a high-quality store-bought option for the best flavor.
For poultry-based meat pies, a chicken or turkey gravy would be more appropriate. Mushroom gravy is another excellent choice, particularly for vegetarian or mushroom-based meat pies, or even alongside beef pies for added earthy depth. The key is to choose a gravy that complements the flavors of the filling and doesn’t overpower the overall dish.
Are there any bread or dough-based side dishes that pair well with meat pies?
Absolutely! Crusty bread or rolls are excellent for soaking up the delicious gravy and juices from the meat pie. Choose a hearty bread like sourdough or a rustic baguette for maximum flavor and texture. Warm, freshly baked rolls also work well, especially when served with butter.
Another great option is a savory scone or biscuit. The flaky, buttery texture of these baked goods complements the richness of the meat pie beautifully. You can even add herbs or cheese to the scones or biscuits for extra flavor. Consider serving them warm with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
What are some lighter or healthier side dish options for meat pies?
If you’re looking for lighter or healthier side dish options, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These options provide essential nutrients and fiber without adding unnecessary calories or fat. A fresh fruit salad can also be a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the richness of the pie.
Another great option is a simple slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing. This adds a crisp and refreshing texture to the meal, as well as valuable vitamins and minerals. You could also try roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots, which are naturally sweet and satisfying without being overly heavy.
Can I serve potatoes with meat pies, and what are the best ways to prepare them?
Potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that pairs exceptionally well with meat pies. Mashed potatoes are a staple for a reason, offering a creamy and satisfying complement to the savory pie filling. You can customize your mashed potatoes with additions like garlic, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor.
Beyond mashed potatoes, consider roasted potatoes, potato wedges, or even scalloped potatoes. Roasted potatoes offer a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, while potato wedges are a heartier and more rustic option. Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy and cheesy layers, add a touch of indulgence to the meal. Choose your potato preparation based on your personal preferences and the overall tone of the meal.