As the weather warms up, our thoughts naturally turn to eating outdoors. Here are some of our favourite pie recipes to bring to your next alfresco gathering.
Let's start with some impressive big pies. "This is a delicious pie that makes the most of the winning partnership between egg and pork. I love the way the whole eggs are hidden beneath the crust – if you get one when you cut into it, it’s like winning a prize," says Paul Hollywood of this hearty number, which is equally good warm or cold.
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We can't talk impressive picnic pies without including that Greek favourite, spanakopita. This version, from the early years of Food Safari, is a fantastic combination of spinach, dill and spring onion with a creamy mix of cheese, wrapped in golden filo. (Watch all seasons, and find more recipes from the show, here).
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Sticking with the Greek pies, Diane Kochilas says this zucchini and feta pie from can be breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner - so we've got that one on the list for alfresco eating at any time of day!
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Another one from Paul Hollywood, this has a cheese and potato filling nestled under cheesy pastry. "This is real comfort food, warming and filling, based on potatoes and enhanced with lots of delicious cheese. The rich pastry is very tender and almost melts into the filling beneath," he says. We're sold. Great warm but also works well for a cold picnic spread.
With an egg, bacon, mushroom, spinach filling, lifted by a spoonful of relish in each one, these filo pies are a delicious addition to your picnic spread.
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A Cypriot pastry often served for Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, these are usually made with a special flaouna cheese, but haloumi makes a delicious substitute in this version.
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Quiche meets pie in these simple, transportable little numbers from Matthew Evans.
Another great recipe from Matthew Evans, these feta and ricotta pies with homemade pastry are perfect picnic fare, and you can use a variety of greens. "I used to make filo by stretching it out thinly like strudel dough, until I read Wild Weed Pie by famed Greek expat and one-time Sydney chef Janni Kyritsis. I’ve used his method for this, which is slightly sturdier, perfect for taking on a picnic. If you can’t get hold of nettles, substitute silverbeet or a mix of greens," he says.
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These popular vegetarian savoury pasties make for great picnic affair in the Balearics in Spain, made with any combination of local seasonal vegetables.
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Find more ideas in SBS Food's pie recipe collection.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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