Minced Pork Pie (Flampoyntes)
Minced Pork Pie, or Flampoyntes, is a medieval Christmas classic that combines savory ground pork, aromatic spices, and a hint of sweetness, encased in a flaky pastry crust. This festive dish captures the spirit of medieval feasts and brings a taste of history to your holiday table.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- Pastry dough for 2 pie crusts enough for a base and lid
- Butter or olive oil for greasing
For the Filling:
- 1 lb 450g ground pork
- 1 cup 200g grated mild cheese (such as mozzarella, brie, provolone, or camembert)
- 1/5 cup 100g sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- Salt to taste
- Butter or olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt to taste.
- Once cooked, drain excess fat and transfer the pork to a mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the grated cheese, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the cooked pork. Mix thoroughly to combine. Adjust spices to taste if desired.
Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a pie dish with butter or olive oil.
- Roll out one portion of pastry dough and line the pie dish with it, trimming any excess.
Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the pork mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second portion of pastry dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a spiced wine or ale for a truly medieval experience.
Video
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Use a mild cheese like mozzarella, brie, or camembert for an authentic flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite semi-soft cheeses for a modern twist.
- Spice Adjustments: Medieval recipes often relied on warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste while maintaining the historical essence.
- Pastry Options: If making pastry from scratch, choose a butter-based dough for a rich, flaky crust. Pre-made pastry dough can save time and works just as well.