Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! These savory hand pies are the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend lunch. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your heart's content. This recipe offers a simple, yet incredibly flavorful experience, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and delicious homemade meal. Let's get started on this journey to savory hand pie perfection!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred protein: chicken, turkey, vegetables)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to work with.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
Assembling and Baking the Hand Pies:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a bowl to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the pies: Place a spoonful of the beef and bean filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: 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.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a flakier crust: Use very cold ingredients and avoid overworking the dough.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different meats, vegetables, cheeses, and spices to create your own unique hand pie combinations. Chicken and mushroom, spinach and feta, or even sweet potato and black bean are all delicious options.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.
- Brush with egg wash: For an extra golden-brown crust, brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Enjoy your homemade savory hand pies! They're a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe provides a fantastic base for creating quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, making it a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Happy cooking!