A Scottish butcher in West Lothian has earned the prestigious title of creating the top pie at the British Pie Awards. Boghall Butchers’ kebab pie was named the “pie of pies” at the event held in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, surpassing 900 entries from all over the UK. The fusion pie triumphed over other unique creations such as a chicken tikka pie, a salmon chaï-matchaï pie, a jerk spiced turkey pie with cranberry sauce, and a butternut and malabar pie.
Christine and Paul Boyle, the masterminds behind the winning pie, crafted a doner kebab pie made with chicken, beef, and a chilli marinade complemented by a sweet chilli sauce. Paul Boyle expressed his overwhelming emotions after their victory, stating that he was unable to articulate his feelings and was brought to tears. The couple, who operate Boghall Butchers, have been striving for the championship title since 2009, and their hard work finally paid off at the event.
Mr. Boyle shared that he was taken aback by the win, especially considering that their family butcher shop, which has been in operation for 50 years, was able to clinch the top spot. Their daughter, Mariesha Boyle, 45, assisted in creating the award-winning pie after receiving requests from young customers for a kebab meat-filled pie. The creation involved adapting their existing recipe to suit the competition’s criteria, using shortcrust pastry that captivated the judges with its exceptional taste and presentation.
Mike Holling, a senior judge at the competition, praised the kebab pie for its outstanding bake, presentation, delectable pastry, and well-seasoned filling that had the “wow factor.” As supreme champions, the Boyle family will have the opportunity to showcase their victorious pie in Japan during British food week in October at the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka. The panel of judges included individuals from renowned establishments such as Selfridges, M&S, Fortnum and Mason, along with esteemed food writers, chefs, and pie aficionados, emphasizing the integral role pies play in British culinary heritage
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