Pronunciation: [mˈiːt pˈa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
Meat pies are a delicious savory pastry, but the spelling of the word can be confusing. The phonetic transcription of "meat pies" in IPA is [mit paɪz]. The "ea" in "meat" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the "ie" in "pies" is pronounced as a long "i" sound. This can be tricky for non-native speakers of English, but with practice, you'll be able to spell and pronounce this British culinary classic with ease!
Meat pies are a popular culinary dish consisting of a pastry crust filled with a savory mixture of cooked and seasoned meats and other ingredients. They can be found in various cultures and are often regarded as comfort food. The pastry crust, typically made from flour, fat, and water, provides a flaky and hearty shell for the filling.
The filling of meat pies usually encompasses a variety of meats such as beef, pork, lamb, or poultry. These meats are typically diced or minced and cooked with onions, garlic, and a combination of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Additional ingredients may include vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and mushrooms, as well as stocks or gravies for moisture and richness.
Meat pies can come in different forms, such as individual-sized portions, commonly known as hand pies or pasties, or larger family-sized pies. They may be baked in the oven until the pastry becomes golden and crisp, or sometimes fried to create a crispy texture. Meat pies are often enjoyed as a complete meal on their own but can also be served with accompaniments like vegetables, salad, or sauces.
The popularity of meat pies has spread worldwide and they have become a staple in many cultures, with variations in spices and ingredients depending on the region. From the British classic of steak and kidney pie to the Australian meat pie, these savory delights offer a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
The term "meat pies" is a compound word that combines the words "meat" and "pies".
The word "meat" originated from the Old English word "mete", which referred to food in general. Over time, it evolved specifically to refer to animal flesh used as food. The word "meat" has roots in various Germanic languages.
The word "pie" stems from the Middle English word "pye" or "pie", which can be traced back to the Old French word "pie", meaning magpie (a type of bird). This is likely because magpies gather various objects for their nests and this association to a mixture of ingredients eventually led to the term "pie" being used for a dish with various edible ingredients enclosed in a crust or pastry.
