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Growing up in northern lower Michigan, pasties are a local favorite. Pasties are one of the foods Michigan (especially the upper peninsula) is known for. So What is a pastie? A pastie is a meat and veggie (you can make them vegetarian, but they are not as good) hand pie. Pasties got brought over along with the Cornish and Welsh miners who filled all of the copper and iron mines that dot the U.P. Since they are iconic why not make them in a more traditional way? Enter the whole wheat pastie dough recipe with lard.

Not only are pasties part of my heritage as a northern Michigan native they are also part of my heritage since I am part Welsh. Even if it wasn’t part of my heritage, they are just so stinking tasty that I would still make them. Pasties with lard are the perfect dish for a cold winter evening.

My husband and I ate pasties in the U.P. while on our honeymoon (one of just 3 times we ate out on our honeymoon) and every time I smell or taste them it reminds me of that special time together.

What Makes A Pastie Special?

A pastie is a hand pie, basically a pot pie that has less gravy and you can hold in your hand like a sandwich. It has a light and flakey crust and is so easy to make. While there are more complicated ways to make pasties this way is simple and delicious! A pastie is the quintessential “man meal”, it is bread, meat and potatoes.

Do I Have To Use Whole Wheat Flour?

No you do not have to use whole wheat flour. However using freshly ground whole wheat flour does really make a difference in how delicious and filling these pasties are. Grinding your own whole wheat flour is so easy (learn how to do it here)

What Do You Use For The Filling?

Rutabaga, carrots, onions and ground meat is the traditional filling. But one of the things that I love about pasties is that they are a perfect way to use up leftovers and the miscellaneous ingredients that you have laying around. Have a few sausages left in the fridge? Throw them in! Have a few random veggies laying around? Throw them in!

There are few basic ingredients that don’t taste good in a pastie. We have done everything from chicken, to sausage, to pulled pork and it all has been delicious!

root vegetables on a wooden cutting board

Do Whole Wheat Pasties Dough Recipe With Lard Freeze Well?

Yes! The best way to freeze them is to make the dough and fill them but don’t bake them. Leave them on the parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid place them in freezer bags. When you want to use them pull them out of the freezer, thaw them and then bake them.

How To Make Whole Wheat Pastie Dough Recipe With Lard

Gather the following ingredients:

1 cup. Melted Lard
1 1/2 cups. Water
5 cups. Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Flour
2 tsp. Real Salt
1 cup. All-purpose flour for dusting

To make whole wheat pasties with lard:

Mix salt and freshly ground whole wheat flour. Add melted lard and water, stir until it comes together as a dough. Store in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

Preheat oven to 350Sautee meat and veggies (potatoes, onions, carrots etc.) until just tender.

Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Pull dough out of the refrigerator and cut off a chunk. Shape into a ball and roll in all-purpose flour.

Using your hands press into a circle on the parchment paper. Place a scoop of the filling on it, fold over and press shut using your fingers or a fork.

Repeat until all of your dough is used up.

Place pasties into pre-heated oven and back for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Pull out of the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before eating.

Whole Wheat Pastie Dough Recipe With Lard

The perfect dinner for a cold fall or winter evening!

Ingredients

1 cup. Melted Lard
1 1/2 cups. Water
5 cups. Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Flour
2 tsp. Real Salt
1 cup. All-purpose flour for dusting

Instructions

Mix salt and freshly ground whole wheat flour. Add melted lard and water, stir until it comes together as a dough. Store in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
Preheat oven to 350
Sautee meat and veggies (potatoes, onions, carrots etc.) until just tender.
Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Pull dough out of the refrigerator and cut off a chunk. Shape into a ball and roll in all-purpose flour.
Using your hands press into a circle on the parchment paper. Place a scoop of the filling on it, fold over and press shut using your fingers or a fork.
Repeat until all of your dough is used up.
Place pasties into pre-heated oven and back for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Pull out of the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before eating.