Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to use up leftover roasted vegetables or cooked meats? Look no further! These savory hand pies are the perfect solution for a satisfying weeknight meal or a delightful appetizer. They’re surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and offer endless possibilities for customization. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 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: (This is a suggestion; feel free to adapt to your favorite flavors!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers), chopped
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- 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 fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté Vegetables (if using raw): If your vegetables aren't already cooked, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken (or other protein), roasted or sautéed vegetables, cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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 Circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. You can also use your fingers to create a decorative edge.
- 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 heated through.
Tips for Success:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for creating a flaky crust.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage during baking.
- Vent the pies: If you want to ensure your filling doesn’t boil over, use a small knife to make a few tiny slits in the top of each pie before baking.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans, lentils, or mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or goat cheese.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on your filling choices. For a chicken and vegetable filling, a single hand pie might contain around 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific ingredients.
These savory hand pies are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner, a party snack, or even a packed lunch. Enjoy!