Extreme makeover: Meat pies

A traditional meat pie can harbour a golf ball-sized portion of fat.

So although Aussies and Kiwis love pies, they’re not really a good food to eat every day.

If you feel like a pie as a treat, here are our top tips:

• Choose potato-top varieties over pastry topped.
• Look out for the lighter options. For store-bought pies, pay attention to their label and check for less sat fat and kilojoules compared to other pies.
• Bulk up the vegie serves and pair your meat pie by ordering a side salad or make a big green salad at home.
• If you’re cooking a meat pie:
  • Try using layers of filo pastry instead of flaky pastry. Use lean meat and leave the top of your pie pastry-free or use mashed potato.
  • Use a healthier pie base: If you’re cooking your a meat pie, you can use less pastry by rolling it very thinly or having an open-top pie. You can also make your own pastry using less (heart- friendly) fat or use filo pastry with just a light spray of oil between layers. Alternatively, think beyond pastry to scone, bread or rice-based crusts.
  • Use healthier fillings: This means using lean meat, adding lots of vegetables and/or legumes, using lower-salt ingredients and minimum fat or oil in preparation.

Try one of these healthy pie recipes:

HFG shepherd’s pie
Bacon and egg pie
HFG fish pie
Humble pie
Little cottage pies