Savory Hand Pies: A Delectable Treat for Any Occasion
Savory hand pies are a delightful and convenient snack or meal option that can be enjoyed on the go or as part of a cozy dinner at home. Made with flaky puff pastry and filled with a flavorful combination of ingredients, these hand pies are sure to please your taste buds. Follow the simple steps below to create your own batch of delicious savory hand pies.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrot and celery to the pan and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Chicken and Peas:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, mixing well with the vegetables.
- Season the filling with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference and the size of your hand pies.
5. Fill and Seal the Hand Pies:
- Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and vegetable filling onto one half of each puff pastry square or rectangle.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
- Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking pan.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the hand pies from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and enjoy the delicious flavors of these savory hand pies!
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also incorporate vegetarian protein sources like tofu or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
- Cheesy Filling: Add grated cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to the filling mixture for an extra indulgent and gooey center.
- Spicy Twist: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the filling mixture. This will add a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Experiment with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil, or thyme to add brightness and freshness to the filling. Simply chop the herbs finely and mix them into the filling before assembling the hand pies.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: For a unique flavor combination, add a spoonful of mango chutney or apricot jam to the filling mixture. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory ingredients beautifully.
Cooking Tips:
- Proper Sealing: Make sure to seal the edges of the hand pies tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or press them together with your fingers.
- Even Distribution: Distribute the filling evenly among the pastry squares to ensure that each hand pie has a balanced combination of ingredients.
- Customize Shapes: Get creative with the shapes of your hand pies by using cookie cutters or shaping the pastry dough into triangles, circles, or hearts. This adds a fun and decorative touch to your finished hand pies.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezing Instructions: These hand pies freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or future snacking. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen hand pies to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
By incorporating these tips and variations, you can elevate your savory hand pies and create a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques to make these hand pies your own signature creation!
