"Steak" and Ale Pie
From: kara, manchester, ct, US

when i became a vegetarian a few years ago, my husband moaned because he wouldn't be able to have one of his favorite meals from back home (wales, uk), steak and ale pie. so, i made up this recipe to appease him.

it really hits the spot on a cold autumn evening!

filling:

• 1 pkg vegetarian mushroom mutton (found in health food or Asian grocery stores)
  
• 1/2 pkg vegetarian steak pieces
  
• 8 oz. prepared vegetarian gravy (Bisto works well, they have it at Stop & Shop)
  
• 4 oz. strong ale (i usually use Bass Ale)
  
• 1 shallot
  
• 2 tbsp. vegetarian margarine
  
• salt and pepper

crust:

• 1 prepared unsweetened pie crust (if frozen, thaw in fridge for 6-8 hours)
  
• 1 sheet prepared filo pastry

in a small skillet or sauce pan, melt margarine over medium heat until just bubbling.
dice shallot, and add to pan.
cook for 3-5 minutes, or until shallot pieces become clear.

add mushroom mutton and "steak" pieces, and cook until slightly browned.
add 2 oz of the gravy and 1 oz of the ale, and cook until "meat" is soft.
season with salt and pepper to taste.

combine gravy and ale and pour approximately 3 oz of mixture into pie crust.

pour mixture in pie shell, and cover with a sheet of filo pastry.
prick the top several times with a fork or a knife.
put in heated oven for 30 min, or until pie crust is browned nicely.

serve with remaining gravy and vegetables. serves 4.