Pheasant is lean and delicate, so a creamy mushroom pie is one of the most forgiving ways to cook it. Game Rub provides woodland-style depth while puff pastry keeps the finished dish generous and familiar.

Gentle simmering protects the pheasant from drying out. Cooling the filling before adding the pastry is equally important, helping the lid puff into crisp golden layers.

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 4 skinless pheasant breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1½ tbsp Game Rub
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• 30g butter
• 30g plain flour
• 400ml chicken or game stock
• 100ml crème fraîche
• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 x 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten

🍴 Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a wide pan. Toss the pheasant with 1 tbsp Game Rub, then brown briefly in two batches and transfer to a plate.
2. Lower the heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes, then add the mushrooms and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned.
3. Add the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and remaining seasoning for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the stock, stirring until smooth. Return the pheasant and simmer gently for 8 minutes.
5. Stir through the crème fraîche and mustard. Transfer to a pie dish and cool for 20 minutes. Heat the oven to 200°C fan / 220°C conventional.
6. Lay the pastry over the filling, trim and seal the edge, cut a steam hole and brush with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Rest for 5 minutes.

⏱️ Timings

• Prep: 25 minutes
• Cook: 45 minutes
• Serves: 4–6

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve with peas, savoy cabbage or roasted carrots. Chicken thigh can replace pheasant if it is difficult to source.

💛 Why This Recipe Works

Brief browning followed by a gentle simmer keeps lean pheasant tender. Cool filling prevents the pastry butter melting before it reaches the hot oven.

🛒 Get the Blend

Make this recipe with our Game Rub.

🔥 More Game Rub Recipes

• Game Rub Venison Steaks with Blackberry Sauce
• Slow-Cooked Game Rub Venison & Red Wine Stew
• Game Rub Duck Breast with Cherry Pan Sauce
• Game Rub Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs
• Game Rub Mushroom & Chestnut Bourguignon

Shop Game Rub →

Explore all Spice & Dipity recipes →

💬 Stay Connected

Follow Spice & Dipity on Facebook for recipes and serving ideas.