Historical recipe: Second World War staple Homity pie

- Difficulty 3/10
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 6oz Flour
- 3oz Butter, or margarine
For the filling
- 4 Medium potatoes
- 2 Medium leeks
- 1 Eating apple, peeled, cored and shopped into small cubes
- 6oz Cheese
- 3oz Butter or margarine, plus more for frying
- Fresh or dried thyme
- 2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 Egg
Method
- STEP 1
Make the shortcrust pastry using plain flour and 3oz butter/margarine. Rub the latter into the flour to make breadcrumbs and bind together with some water to make a pliable dough.
- STEP 2
Roll the dough into a greased pie dish and blind bake in the oven at 200°C/gas mark 6, for about 10 mins.
- STEP 3
Chop potatoes into small cubes (skins on) and simmer in boiling water until tender.
- STEP 4
Chop the leeks and fry them along with the garlic in butter/margarine until tender. Add the apple and thyme.
- STEP 5
Drain the potatoes and add to leeks. Stir in one whisked egg, more butter/margarine and 2oz of grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- STEP 6
Fill the pie dish with the mixture and add 4oz of grated cheese on top.
- STEP 7
Bake at 220°C/gas mark 7 until the top is browned.