The word ‘mincemeat’ causes no end of confusion, even in Britain where a sweet form of the stuff is traditionally used as a filling for mince pies around the holidays. Mince pies do not contain meat, but neither are they necessarily vegetarian. Modern mincemeat (more accurately called 'fruit mince' in the United States) is made from a mixture of chopped dried fruits, candied peel, spices, sugar and sometimes a distilled spirit. Many recipes also include suet, raw beef or mutton fat.
This easy version of the classic holiday recipe is vegetarian. Instead of using suet, it contains grated orange zest and fresh lemon juice for color and flavor.
Besides mince pies there are plenty of other uses for mincemeat, if you have leftovers or want to get creative. For example, try one large mince pie. This is quicker and less fiddly than rolling and cutting out pastry for individual mince pies.
Mincemeat also tastes good in ice cream. Defrost a tub of vanilla ice cream. When it is soft enough to stir, swirl a few tablespoons of mincemeat through it – it does not need to be perfectly mixed – and return to the freezer to harden.
Alternative to Traditional Mincemeat
This vegetarian mincemeat recipe calls for raisins, but for something less traditional try a combination of dried fruits such as raisins, dates, apricots, cranberries and apples. The flavors will blend and mellow with time, so it is best to make the mincemeat at least two or three days before it will be used. The fruits will also absorb some of the brandy – this is what makes them plump and juicy. If it looks like the mixture has become too dry, add a little more brandy, mix and return to the fridge.
Mincemeat as an Unusual Holiday Gift
Whatever fruits are used in this recipe, the result is colorful and aromatic. Consequently, vegetarian mincemeat makes an unusual, personal holiday gift. Double or triple the recipe, find a number of pretty glass jars (try a cooking store for these) and divide the mincemeat between them. The mincemeat will keep for several weeks in the fridge.
Vegetarian Mincemeat Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes.
Makes: approximately 8 oz / 250 g vegetarian mincemeat.
Vegetarian Mincemeat Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 oz / 100 g coarsely chopped raisins
- 3 oz / 75 g coarsely chopped candied peel
- 3 fl oz / 75 ml brandy
- Grated zest of one (organic) orange
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Vegetarian Mincemeat Recipe Preparation:
- Mix all the mincemeat ingredients together in a bowl. Check the sweetness and adjust the amount of sugar if desired.
- Put the mincemeat into a large jar, close tightly and store in the fridge until needed.
Chef Delia Smith, considered by many to be the queen of British cuisine, has a family recipe for traditional mince pies.
Cecily Layzell - Cecily Layzell is a food and travel writer and founder of restaurant review site www.eat-amsterdam.com.
Join the Conversation