### Instructions:
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Brown the Beef:** Add the beef stew meat to the pot and brown on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add Spices:** Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4. **Deglaze and Simmer:** Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. **Add Coconut Milk and Potatoes:** Stir in the coconut milk and diced potatoes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Thicken (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering curry and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
7. **Add Peas and Season:** Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
8. **Prepare for Baking:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the beef curry mixture into a pie dish or an oven-safe casserole dish.
9. **Top with Pastry:** Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet over the top of the pie dish. Trim any excess pastry, leaving a slight overhang. Crimp the edges of the pastry to seal it to the pie dish. Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
10. **Egg Wash and Bake:** Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
11. **Serve:** Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Hearty Beef Curry Pie!
### Short Tips:
* **Marinate for Flavor:** For an extra depth of flavor, you can marinate the beef in a tablespoon of curry powder and a splash of olive oil for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, before browning.
* **Veggie Boost:** Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the curry for added nutrients and color.
* **Homemade Stock:** Using homemade beef broth will always elevate the flavor of your curry.
* **Make Ahead:** The beef curry filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when ready.
* **Individual Pies:** For individual servings, divide the curry mixture into oven-safe ramekins and top each with a small piece of puff pastry. Adjust baking time accordingly.
* **Crispy Crust:** For an even crispier bottom crust, lightly brush the pie dish with a little olive oil before adding the curry mixture.
