Are you craving a delicious, comforting treat that’s both easy to make and unbelievably satisfying? Look no further than these delightful blueberry fried pies! Forget store-bought pastries; this recipe lets you experience the joy of homemade cooking with a surprisingly simple process. These golden-brown, crispy pockets of warm blueberry filling are the perfect dessert or even a fun breakfast option! Get ready to dive into a world of flavor with this easy recipe perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a weekend baking project.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup shortening, chilled and cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk, ice cold
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the chilled shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold milk, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead for a few seconds to form a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for a flaky crust.
Preparing the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Assembling and Frying the Pies:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of the blueberry filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place a few pies in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fried pies with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Use ice-cold ingredients for the dough to ensure flakiness.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
- For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
Variations:
- Apple Fried Pies: Substitute the blueberry filling with a mixture of diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Peach Fried Pies: Use fresh or frozen peaches instead of blueberries, adjusting the sugar to taste.
- Berry Medley: Combine different berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a vibrant and flavorful pie.
Nutritional Information (per pie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make blueberry fried pies as a delightful treat for any occasion! They're a wonderful addition to your repertoire of healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and best recipes. Homemade cooking doesn’t get much easier or more rewarding than this!