Nana, what’s for dinner?” we yell as we run into the farmhouse after the drive from town. “Pea, Pie, Pud,” she bellows, wiping the crusted flour from her tired hands with the tea towel tucked into the crests of her apron.

She bends her frail frame to embrace us all, arms open wide.

That’s the image I get when first looking at this particular pie.

There’s no need for flaky pastry here; the shortcrust is delightful in texture, encasing the entire pie, baked through with that farmer’s style finesse that comes only from feeding a family or a large group of shearers.

Visually, you might see this style of pie in a period piece film or TV series.

This isn’t a bad thing, but it does lift the dining experience substantially. Is that enough to make it into the top 10?

Let’s start with the gorgeous scent emanating from this tiny morsel.

Just like a Sunday roast, the fragrance invites you to bring it closer to your lips; its aroma is pleasing, like the open country. Initially, the feel of the pastry is fresh, firm, and easy to hold, perhaps freshly prepared or heated and then added to the pie warmer for quick consumption.

The rest of the pastry seems a bit boggy in texture, slightly salty but full of flavour—rather nice, actually.

Now, let’s discuss the filling.

Yes, it looks meaty. While the initial flavour suggests mutton, it isn’t long before the headlining flavour fades under a bed of beef, salt, and a dousing of pepper.

The texture resembles minced meat, but as you chew, it starts to break down and take on the texture of a sausage roll.

This is where I think the pie would excel—as a sausage roll with meat, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.

Don’t get me wrong; it is delicious, but is it a top 10?

Unfortunately, on the Tommys Tummy Scale, it peaks at 7/10.

Personally, I’d go to the fish and chip shop or the dairy for a meat patty with extra pepper. I think you’ll find a similar flavour profile for half the price.

The Mataura Mutton pie was the only Southland pie to receive honors at this year's 2024 Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards. It received a highly commended (4th placed) in the competition's gourmet meat section.