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Bedfordshire Clanger (Caramelised Onion Pastry)

Bedfordshire Clanger (Caramelised Onion Pastry)

Bedfordshire Clanger is a traditional English pastry with roots in rural Bedfordshire. This version features a caramelised onion filling wrapped in suet pastry, baked until crisp and golden. A rustic dish that balances hearty pastry with sweet savoury flavour.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dishes, Snack
Cuisine British
Servings 4
Calories 648 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Suet Pastry

  • 250 g self-raising flour
  • 125 g shredded suet beef or vegetarian
  • ½ tsp fine salt
  • 100 ml cold water add more if needed

For the Caramelised Onion Filling

  • 3 large onions white or brown, thinly sliced
  • 40 g butter
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1 tsp soft brown sugar
  • 1 tsp malt vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly

  • 1 egg beaten (for glazing)
  • A little flour for rolling

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, and salt. Gradually add the cold water while mixing with a knife until a firm dough forms. Avoid overworking the pastry to keep it light. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes before rolling.
  • Melt butter with oil in a heavy pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and sweet. Sprinkle in the sugar and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to cool before filling.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 20 cm wide and 30 cm long. Keep the thickness even so the pastry bakes uniformly.
  • Spoon the cooled caramelised onion mixture lengthways down the centre of the pastry, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Keep the filling compact to avoid leakage during baking.
  • Bring both long sides of the pastry up over the filling to meet in the middle. Pinch the edges firmly together, then fold in the short ends. Crimp well with your fingers or a fork for a traditional look.
  • Transfer the sealed clanger onto a lined baking tray. Brush the surface generously with beaten egg for a glossy golden finish.
  • Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the pastry is crisp, risen, and richly browned. Avoid opening the oven too soon to maintain an even rise.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the clanger to cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the filling settle and makes slicing easier.
  • Slice into generous portions and serve warm. A crisp green salad or pickled vegetables make excellent accompaniments. For a more rustic touch, serve with a mug of strong English tea.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 648kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 10gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 378mgPotassium: 207mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 312IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Pastry
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