Are Mince Pies Sweet Or Savoury?

Mince pies have been a staple of British cuisine for centuries. The traditional recipe is simple and uses ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. The result is a delicious, sweet pastry filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices and a sweetener, usually sugar. Despite their sweet taste, mince pies are often confused with savoury dishes, leading to the question: "Are mince pies sweet or savoury?"

What Are Mince Pies?

Mince pies are small, sweet pastries filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices and a sweetener, usually sugar. The traditional filling includes raisins, currants, sultanas, mixed peel and spices. The spices can range from nutmeg to cinnamon, or even a combination of both. The pies are usually then topped with a pastry lid and baked until golden brown. They are a popular festive treat in the UK, traditionally served warm with cream or custard.

Ingredients

Puff pastry – 400g
Mixed dried fruit and peel – 350g
Caster sugar – 75g
Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
Ground nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon
Orange juice – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 50g

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of 3mm and cut out 12 circles using an 8cm cutter.
Mix together the dried fruit, peel, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl.
Add the orange juice and butter to the dried fruit mixture and stir until well combined.
Spoon the mixture into the pastry circles and top with another pastry circle.
Crimp the edges of the pastry together using a fork to secure.
Place the pies on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool before serving.

Nutrition

The nutritional value of a mince pie will depend on the ingredients used, but generally they contain around 250 calories per serving. Most of the calories come from the carbohydrates, with the majority of these being sugars. Mince pies also contain a small amount of fat and protein, as well as a few essential vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and Minerals

Mince pies contain small amounts of several essential vitamins and minerals. These include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. While these amounts are not particularly high, they do contribute to an overall healthy diet.

Health Benefits

Mince pies are often seen as an indulgent treat, but they can actually have some health benefits. The dried fruit and spices used in the filling are high in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and protect against disease. The pastry is also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

In conclusion, mince pies are definitely sweet rather than savoury. The traditional recipe contains a mixture of dried fruit, spices and sugar, giving it a sweet flavour. They also provide some health benefits, thanks to the antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. So, if you're looking for a festive treat that's both sweet and healthy, then mince pies are the perfect choice.