Introduction: Hand pies, with their flaky crusts and savory fillings, have been cherished comfort foods for generations. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a light meal, or a party appetizer, these portable delights never fail to impress. In this comprehensive recipe, we delve into the art of crafting perfect savory hand pies, providing detailed instructions and valuable tips to ensure your culinary success.
Ingredients: For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
⅓ cup cold water
For the filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey
1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the diced cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add diced chicken or turkey, potatoes, carrots, peas, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is heated through. Set aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the hand pies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to create a decorative edge.
Place the assembled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Introduction: Hand pies, with their flaky crusts and savory fillings, have been cherished comfort foods for generations. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a light meal, or a party appetizer, these portable delights never fail to impress. In this comprehensive recipe, we delve into the art of crafting perfect savory hand pies, providing detailed instructions and valuable tips to ensure your culinary success.
Ingredients: For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
⅓ cup cold water
For the filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey
1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the diced cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add diced chicken or turkey, potatoes, carrots, peas, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is heated through. Set aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the hand pies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to create a decorative edge.
Place the assembled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 10g
SmartPoints® Value: 7 (Green), 6 (Blue), 6 (Purple)
Conclusion: These savory hand pies are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a snack on-the-go or served as part of a meal, they are sure to delight your taste buds. With this detailed recipe, mastering the art of making savory hand pies has never been easier. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that is sure to impress both family and friends.