Spelt Lancashire Butter Pie

Lancashire Butter Pie is a traditional British dish with simple yet rich flavors. This vegetarian favorite combines buttery spelt shortcrust pastry with a creamy potato and onion filling.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cold days. Using spelt flour adds a nutty depth and a wholesome twist to the classic recipe.

Whether served warm with a side salad or enjoyed as part of a Sunday lunch, this pie is proof that comfort food can be both traditional and wholesome.

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Rest Time 15 mins

Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Cuisine: British

Courses: Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Estimated Cost: 10

Calories: 410

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

A classic British butter pie made with a golden spelt shortcrust pastry and a creamy potato-onion filling. Perfect for vegetarians and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

250 g spelt flour (2 cups)
125 g cold unsalted butter, cubed (1/2 cup)
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp cold water (4-5 tbsp)

For the filling:

500 g potatoes, peeled and sliced (1.1 lb)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
75 g butter (1/3 cup)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Make the pastry: In a bowl, mix spelt flour and salt. Rub in butter until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Add cold water gradually and mix until dough forms. Wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
2
Prepare the filling: Boil potato slices in salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
3
In a pan, melt butter and gently fry onions until soft but not browned.
4
Assemble: Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line a greased 23cm (9-inch) pie dish. Layer potatoes and onions inside, seasoning each layer.
5
Dot extra butter over the filling.
6
Roll out the remaining pastry to form a lid, place over the filling, and crimp edges. Cut a small steam hole in the center.
7
Bake: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown.
8
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 410kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g36%
Saturated Fat 14g70%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 380mg16%
Potassium 590mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 44g15%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 3g
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Can be served hot or cold.

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Best eaten fresh for the flakiest pastry.

Keywords: spelt flour, Lancashire butter pie, vegetarian pie, potato pie, British baking

Tips & Variations

Extra flavor: Add grated cheese between the potato layers.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based pastry.
Individual pies: Make smaller versions for picnics or packed lunches.

Conclusion

If you love traditional comfort food with a wholesome touch, this Spelt Lancashire Butter Pie is a must-try. Give it a go, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved Northern classic.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-lancashire-butter-pie/

Valentina

A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!