Here in Great Britain, there are some dishes that we seem to have really nailed. One of our nation's favourites, and a meal that you'll see everywhere from fine dining establishments to pub menus, is the British classic - pie and chips.
Pie and chips have filled people's bellies and put satisfied smiles on their faces for centuries. While the exact origin of pies is debatable (a recipe for a chicken pie was found carved into a tablet that goes back as far as 2000 BC), chips didn't really become a 'thing' until the mid-17th century, although at this time they weren't referred to as such. It might have been around 100 years later that the chip, as we know it today, became popular, when fish and chip shops started popping up all around the city of London.
Why do pie and chips go so well together?
While pie and mash were initially paired together, pie and chips soon took over. There are a great number of reasons why pie and chips is a match made in heaven. The crumbly, buttery pastry and rich filling of a pie sit well with a hot, salty chip - crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle. Really, what more could you ask for?
Some other reasons why pie and chips make a great meal include:
- Filling you up - let's face it, pie and chips is not for those with a small appetite! This is a hearty meal that will keep you feeling nice and full.
- Great variety - with so many pie fillings to choose from, this is a meal you'll never get bored with!
- Great value for money - pie and chips are available from many chip shops as well as supermarkets and on restaurant menus. It's a fantastically flavoursome meal but doesn't cost the earth. It's also a great one for sharing if you are looking for a lighter bite, making it even lighter on your pockets too.
- Warming and satisfying - pie and chips is the ultimate comfort food that can be eaten all year round but is especially delightful on a cold winter's day.
Pie and Chips - the perfect meal for every occasion!
One of the other pros of pairing pie and chips is that it's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at lunch or dinner and on almost any occasion. If you fancy a quick but satisfying midweek dinner, why not opt for a pie and chips delivery? If you are stopping at a pub for lunch after a stomp in the countryside, pie and chips is sure to be a winner! You can also 'dress up' the dish to make it a fine dining experience too.
What chip types go best with pie and chips?
There are so many chip varieties out there; which ones go best on the side of a lovingly cooked pie? Traditionally, you'll find that chunky chips are most commonly served on the side. However, the true answer is whatever kind takes your fancy!
You can't go wrong with thick-cut beer-battered chips but skinny fries, crinkle cut, potato wedges and even sweet potato fries are all options. So why not experiment until you discover the perfect chip for your pie?
Pie and chips from Mud Foods!
At Mud Foods, we take great pride in crafting a fantastic range of artisan pies. Our pie fillings are recipes that have been tried, tested and perfected by Christian, our Chief Pie Maker and are made with the best quality ingredients. Our butter-rich, crumbly pastry is a secret recipe that has helped many of our pies win multiple awards and keeps our customers coming back time and time again. It's safe to say that we are passionate about pies and know a thing or two about them too! That's why we've created a range of side dishes that perfectly complement them.
Our beer-battered chips are thick-cut and triple-cooked, with a crispy outer beer batter coating and light, fluffy middle. If you want to enjoy an authentic gastro pub style treat from the comfort of your own home - these chips will not disappoint.
If that doesn't tickle your fancy, why not opt for our lightly fried and perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries? They are crisped to perfection with a sweet earthiness that pairs wonderfully with all the pies in our range.
So what are you waiting for? If you fancy giving yourself a treat for dinner, why not tuck into a delicious, warming and wholly satisfying plateful of pie and chips - we are sure you'll agree they really are a match made in heaven!
