Raised Game Pie
Raised Game Pie is a hearty British main course of mixed game and chicken baked in hot water crust pastry, enriched with dried sour cherries, port, thyme and juniper. The Thermomix TM7 grinds spices, kneads the lard pastry and mixes the savoury filling with consistent precision, delivering a festive centrepiece pie with tender meat in an aromatic jelly.
About this recipe
Raised Game Pie Thermomix TM7 recipes bring a true British classic to your all-in-one kitchen machine. This impressive main course pairs mixed game and chicken with port-soaked dried sour cherries, fresh thyme and crushed juniper berries, all encased in a rich lard-based hot water crust pastry that bakes to a deep golden crispness. Searching for a festive game pie recipe or a showstopping Christmas centrepiece? The TM7 takes care of the hard parts: it kneads the warm pastry dough until smooth and pliable, grinds the juniper berries and sea salt evenly, and blends the jellied stock that sets around the tender meat as the pie cools. The port and cherry filling delivers sweet-tart notes against the deep savouriness of the game, creating layered flavour in every slice. Perfect for game season, Boxing Day buffets or a slow weekend project, this pie slices cleanly and tastes even better made a day ahead.
Preparation tips
- Soak the dried sour cherries in port well ahead of time so they plump up fully and release their sweet-tart flavour into the game filling; the soaked fruit also prevents dry pockets in the finished pie.
- When making the hot water crust pastry, work with the lard dough while it is still warm and pliable, shaping it firmly against the tin so the walls bake evenly thick and hold their shape when the pie is turned out.
- Let the pie cool completely before pouring in the jellied stock through the steam hole, then chill it overnight so the port and cherry jelly sets around the game and every slice cuts cleanly.
- If juniper berries are hard to find, crush a pinch of caraway or extra black pepper for a similar resinous note, and replace the mixed game with chicken thighs for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Recipe variations
- For a milder family version, use only chicken thighs and pork shoulder instead of mixed game, keep the sour cherries and port, and reduce the juniper so younger guests enjoy the sweet-savoury filling.
- For a festive Christmas twist, add cubed bacon and a strip of orange zest to the port marinade, and decorate the pastry lid with holly-shaped cutouts before baking for a seasonal centrepiece.
Why this recipe works
A Raised Game Pie is the centrepiece of a truly elegant dinner party, yet achieving that flawless, bakery-standard finish often feels daunting. For those who demand perfection, the Thermomix TM7 is your ultimate kitchen ally. It ensures your hot water crust pastry is silky smooth and your filling is evenly cooked to precise temperatures every time. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to consistent, professional results. With the TM7 handling the delicate preparations, you can serve a stunning masterpiece with impeccable texture and flavour that delights every guest.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Precision weighing - The integrated scale of the Thermomix weighs the flour, lard and water for the hot water crust directly in the bowl. [Built-in scale]. [Precision Control]
- Fresh spice grinding - TM7 grinds the juniper berries and sea salt into an even powder that seasons the game filling consistently. [Grinding]. [Multi-Function]
- Hands-free kneading - The Thermomix kneads the warm lard pastry until smooth and elastic while you line the pie tin by hand. [Kneading]. [Hands-Free]
- Even mixing - The TM7 blends the port-soaked sour cherries and game into a filling with fruit in every single slice. [Mixing]. [Multi-Function]
- Gentle heating - The Thermomix melts the lard with water at a controlled temperature so the pastry dough comes together without spluttering. [Heating]. [Precision Control]
Ingredients
- mixed game
- chicken
- dried sour cherries
- port
- fresh thyme
- juniper berries
- lard
- water
- milk
- fine sea salt