Celebrating British Pie Week with The Original Black Garlic
British Pie Week 2026: 3rd - 9th March
There's nothing quite like a proper pie. Golden pastry, rich filling, and that moment when you break through the crust to reveal what's inside, it's pure comfort food.
This British Pie Week, we're celebrating with five show-stopping recipes that prove black garlic and black lemon belong in your pie repertoire. From classic savoury pies with an umami twist to stunning citrus desserts, these recipes showcase just how versatile our products can be.
Why Black Garlic Works So Well in Pies
Black garlic's sweet, umami-rich flavour adds incredible depth to pie fillings without overpowering other ingredients. Unlike white garlic, it melts into sauces and gravies, creating that "slow-cooked for hours" richness in a fraction of the time.
The aged, caramelised notes complement everything from beef and chicken to mushrooms and lentils. And because it's already soft and sticky, it blends seamlessly into any filling.
Our British Pie Week Recipes
1. Ale & Black Garlic Beef Pie
Rich, tender beef braised in ale with black garlic creating layers of deep, savoury flavour. This is the pie that converts people who've never tried black garlic before. The sweetness of the black garlic balances the bitterness of the ale perfectly, while adding that elusive "what IS that flavour?" quality that keeps people coming back for more.
Perfect for: Sunday lunch, feeding a crowd, impressing your mother-in-law
2. Steak and Kidney Pie with Black Garlic and Thyme
You can't have British Pie Week without a proper steak and kidney pie. This traditional recipe gets a subtle upgrade with black garlic, which adds richness to the gravy without competing with the kidneys' distinctive flavour. Fresh thyme and slow cooking create that quintessentially British comfort food experience.
Perfect for: Cold evenings, nostalgic dinners, proper pub-style comfort
3. Lentil and Black Garlic Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Who says shepherd's pie needs meat? This vegan version is just as hearty and satisfying, with black garlic adding the umami depth that makes it feel rich and complete. Lentils provide protein and texture, while the black garlic creates that savoury complexity that makes you forget it's plant-based.
Topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden, this is comfort food that everyone at the table will love.
Perfect for: Meat-free Mondays, vegan friends, batch cooking
4. Citrus Pecan Pie
British Pie Week meets American pie tradition in this stunning pecan pie with a citrus twist. The sweet, sticky filling gets a sophisticated lift from black garlic and black lemon, creating a dessert that's familiar yet elevated. It's the pie that bridges continents and proves that Pie Week shouldn't be savoury only.
Perfect for: Dinner parties, afternoon tea, showing off
5. Black Lemon & Honey Cheesecake
Our Black Lemon takes centre stage in this no-bake cheesecake that's as beautiful as it is delicious. The black lemon adds a sophisticated citrus depth that's more complex than regular lemon — bright and zesty with gentle, caramelised undertones. Honey balances it perfectly, and those black lemon slices on top? Pure elegance.
Perfect for: Impressing guests, special occasions, when you want something stunning but easy
Tips for Perfect Pies Every Time
1. Don't skimp on seasoning
Pie fillings need bold flavours to shine through the pastry. Taste as you go and season generously.
2. Let your filling cool
Adding hot filling to pastry = soggy bottom. Always let savoury fillings cool before assembling.
3. Egg wash is your friend
That golden, glossy finish comes from a good egg wash. Brush generously for professional-looking results.
4. Make a steam hole
Cut a small cross or hole in the top of your pie to let steam escape. This prevents soggy pastry.
5. Use black garlic paste for convenience
If you're short on time, The Original Black Garlic Paste is perfect for pies, ready to stir into your filling.
Get Creative with Black Garlic in Your Pies
These recipes are just the beginning. Black garlic works beautifully in:
Chicken and mushroom pies — adds depth to creamy fillings
Fish pies — complements smoked fish perfectly
Cheese and onion pies — enhances the savoury notes
Game pies — balances rich, gamey flavours
The key is to use it where you'd normally build deep, savoury flavour through long cooking. Black garlic gives you that richness in minutes, without being overpowering.
Join the Celebration
British Pie Week is the perfect excuse to get baking. Whether you're a pastry pro or a pie novice, these recipes will guide you to delicious results.
Tag us in your pie creations on Instagram @originalblackgarlicuk — we love seeing what you make!
Ready to start baking?
Shop our Black Garlic Peeled Cloves, Black Garlic Paste, and Black Lemon products now:
Happy British Pie Week! 🥧🖤
FAQs
Can I freeze pies made with black garlic?
Absolutely! Black garlic freezes beautifully. Assemble your pies, freeze unbaked, and bake from frozen (add 10-15 minutes to cooking time).
How much black garlic should I use in a pie?
Start with 3-6 cloves (or 1-2 tablespoons of paste) for a standard 4-6 serving pie. You can always add more to taste.
Where can I buy The Original Black Garlic?
Find us online at www.blackgarlic.co.uk or in-store at M&S Food and Sainsbury's.