Stargazy pie

Stargazy Pie: A Unique and Historic Cornish Delight

Stargazy pie is a captivating and traditional dish from Cornwall, renowned for its distinctive appearance and rich history. This savory pie is crafted with baked pilchards, eggs, and potatoes, all enveloped in a golden pastry crust. Its iconic feature, the fish heads poking through the crust and seemingly gazing skyward, gives the pie its whimsical name, "stargazy."

Originating in the Village of Mousehole

The roots of stargazy pie are firmly planted in the quaint Cornish village of Mousehole. It is intimately associated with the local festival of Tom Bawcock's Eve, celebrated annually on December 23rd. This festival commemorates the courageous deeds of Tom Bawcock, a legendary fisherman who ventured out into a fierce winter storm to catch enough fish to save his village from starvation. His entire catch was baked into a stargazy pie, which has since become emblematic of hope and communal spirit.

A Celebration with Lanterns and Lights

The festival is a vibrant event, featuring a procession of handmade lanterns and the illumination of Mousehole village. The highlight of the evening is the serving of stargazy pie at The Ship Inn, a local pub that has become synonymous with this festive dish. A large stargazy pie is paraded through the village before being enjoyed by the residents, ensuring the tradition remains alive and well.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the traditional recipe includes pilchards, eggs, boiled potatoes, and a pastry crust, there are numerous variations of stargazy pie. Some recipes incorporate different types of fish, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, onions, mustard, or even a splash of white wine. The pie is typically topped with a pastry lid, with the fish heads and sometimes their tails protruding through the crust.

Stargazy pie can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, vegetables, Cornish Yarg cheese, rhubarb chutney, poached eggs, or a squeeze of lemon.

A Dish Steeped in Tradition

Stargazy pie is more than just a meal; it's a piece of Cornish heritage, enriched with local legends and celebrated through annual traditions. Its unique presentation and the story behind it make it a dish that captures the imagination and taste buds of anyone who encounters it.