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The Melting Pot
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1861-1900 - Railroad and mining communities in late 19th century America
Lunch Pail Pasties are baked hand pies filled with ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Popular among railroad and mining workers in late 19th century America, they were portable, filling meals suited for physically demanding labor.
Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
30 minutes
Cook time
40 minutes
Total time
1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
6 pasties
Region
United States
Era introduced
1861-1900
Introduced by
Railroad and mining communities in late 19th century America
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Adapted from British Cornish pasties, American lunch pail pasties became important sustenance for railroad and mining workers during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Their durable pastry crusts enclosed meat and vegetable fillings, providing a convenient and warm midday meal. This dish embodies immigrant influence and practical food solutions developed in industrializing America.
Recipe based on historical mining and railroad worker meals combining British pasty traditions with American ingredients; further citation needed.
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