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How to Make Great Grandma Johns' Pasties - A Step-by-Step Guide

Great Grandma John's Pasties are a time-honored family recipe that has been passed down through generations. This traditional dish originates from the mining regions of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where it was a staple for miners and their families. The savory hand pies are filled with hearty ingredients and encased in a flaky, golden crust, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

What sets Great Grandma John's Pasties apart is the rich history and tradition that comes w...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup shortening
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • ¾ pound boneless beef sirloin, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup water, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Stir in cold water with a fork until the mixture is able to come together in a ball. Knead a couple of times then divide pastry into two pieces. Pastry may be refrigerated for later use at this time.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of the pastry into a 10-inch circle.
  • Place half of the potato slices in a line down the center of each circle, leaving at least 1 inch at each end uncovered. Arrange onion slices over the potatoes, and season with salt, pepper and some of the dried parsley. Place half of the beef cubes over each onion layer, then season again with salt, pepper and dried parsley. Fold the edges over the pastry over the filling, and tuck in the ends.
  • Transfer the two pastries to a greased baking sheet, and cut a few slits in the top of each one for ventilation.
  • Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven, and reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spoon 1 teaspoon of water into each slit on the tops of the pasties. Return to the oven, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve whole, or cut into halves.

    • Nutrition

    621 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 45mg
    • Sodium: 186mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 57g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 21g
    • Vitamin C: 23mg
    • Calcium: 34mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 728mg

    Categories

    Appetizer recipes
    Main recipes
    Baked goods recipes
    Comfort food recipes
    Traditional recipes