As their name suggests, the traditional Guernsey Potato Paste uses thinly sliced potatoes, onions and bacon laid out in a buttery crust that can’t help but make you feel warm inside. When you think of the name, you may picture potatoes with their jackets off, but it is actually a hearty pie often enjoyed by entire families.
Servings 6servings
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Ingredients
For the Filling:
900g2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1large onionthinly sliced
150–200 g5–7 oz bacon or salted pork, diced
2tablespoonsbutterdiced
Salt and black pepperto taste
1teaspoonfresh thymeoptional
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
For the Pastry:
250g2 cups all-purpose flour
125g½ cup cold butter, cubed
1pinchsalt
4–6 tablespoons cold water
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Pie dish (9–10 inch)
Rolling Pin
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Method
Make the Pastry:
In a bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and salt until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water gradually until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
Slice the potatoes and onion very thinly. Dice the bacon. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Assemble the Pie:
Roll out half the pastry and line the pie dish. Layer potatoes, onions, bacon, and small pieces of butter. Repeat layers until full. Drizzle milk or cream over the top.
Top the Pie:
Roll out the remaining pastry, cover the pie, seal edges, and cut a small slit in the top for steam.
Bake:
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 1½ to 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the crust is golden brown. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Rest and Serve:
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.