What is a Butter Pie?
A butter pie is a traditional English savory pie consisting mainly of onions and potatoes, often accompanied by a top layer of a savory barm cake. Historically, it was served to the Catholic community in Lancashire as a meatless course primarily on Fridays. Even today, you can find this hearty pie in local chip shops, sandwich shops, and some supermarkets within the region. Variations of the name include Catholic pie, Friday pie, Air pie, and Special. Despite its humble origins, this pie has gained broader recognition, including its inclusion in the annual World Pie Eating Championship in Wigan, where it competes in the vegetarian category since 2006.
Ingredients of a Butter Pie
The traditional recipe for a butter pie primarily uses the following ingredients:
Potatoes: Provide a heartiness and texture to the dish. Onions: Add flavor and a savory base to the pie. Butter: Usually poured over the filling just before baking, enhancing the rich, creamy texture. Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors of the potatoes and onions.These ingredients combine to create a comforting and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Butter Tart: A Sweet Alternative
In contrast to the savory butter pie, a butter tart is a culinary delight that hits your sweet tooth. This dessert is known for its sweet, buttery caramel filling, which can be embellished with raisins or pecans to add extra textures and flavors. A butter tart is essentially a mini pie, embodying the homey, traditional flavors reminiscent of Grandma's baking.
Buttermilk Pie: Pennsylvania Dutch Delight
Another variation of the butter theme is the buttermilk pie, a Pennsylvania Dutch classic that combines the comforting richness of buttermilk with the classic pie form. Unlike other custard pies, this pie uses buttermilk, which imparts a tangy and sweet-sour flavor profile. This unique taste reflects the region's love for sweet and savory foods and makes it a beloved dessert.
Summary and Conclusion
Butter pies and tarts represent a cultural heritage rich in tradition and regional pride. Whether savory or sweet, these pies offer a delightful testament to the rich culinary history of their respective regions. From the comforting layers of onions and potatoes in a savory pie to the sweet, caramel-filled delight of a butter tart, these dishes are not just desserts or main meals but are symbols of cultural identity and community.
In conclusion, whether you're exploring the robust flavors of a butter pie or savoring the sweet and tangy delights of a buttermilk pie, these culinary treasures make for a memorable experience. These dishes are more than just food; they are stories, cultures, and memories waiting to be shared and enjoyed by all.