Meat pie
Savory Chicken and Vegetable Pie - Step by Step Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious and comforting dish, chicken and vegetable pie is the ideal choice. This recipe combines a soft and fluffy crust with a rich filling, offering a culinary experience you won't soon forget. Let's begin this gastronomic adventure!
Preparation Time
- Active time: 1 hour
- Rising time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Total: 2 hours
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 150 ml lukewarm water
- 5 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 250-300 g flour (may vary depending on humidity)
For the filling:
- 1 chicken breast (approx. 300-400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 egg
- ½ cup white wine (approx. 125 ml)
- ½ cup tomato juice
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oregano (optional)
- ~100 g grated cheese (for a more intense flavor)
Preparation
1. Preparing the dough
The first step is to prepare the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water, adding the sugar as well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work!
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Once the yeast has activated, add it to the bowl with the flour. Start mixing and gradually add the remaining water until you achieve a smooth dough.
Practical tip: If you prefer, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Choose the kneading + rising program for the best results.
When the dough becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
2. Preparing the filling
In the meantime, let's prepare the filling! Chop the chicken breast into small pieces. In a frying pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for a few minutes.
Add the chopped chicken, white wine, and tomato juice. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the meat is well cooked. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
When the filling is ready, let it cool slightly, then mix it with the beaten egg and chopped parsley. This step will add a touch of freshness and flavor to your dish.
3. Assembling the pie
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Place the sheet in the greased and floured baking tray, making sure to cover the edges as well.
Evenly spread the filling over the surface of the dough, sprinkle the grated cheese on top, and if desired, you can decorate the pie with thin strips of the remaining dough. This decoration not only looks good but also helps with even baking.
4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and let the pie bake for 30-35 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy.
Serving and Variations
Once the pie is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or, for a perfect experience, with a portion of tomato sauce or Greek yogurt.
Variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the chicken breast with beef or even cheese and spinach for a vegetarian version. You can also add spices like cumin or basil to change the flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This chicken pie provides a good source of protein from the meat, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat flour, if chosen, will add extra fiber and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or turkey. Also, the combinations of vegetables are limitless!
2. How can I make the pie healthier?
Replace the oil with extra-virgin olive oil and white flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional content.
3. Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent excessive freezing.
4. What other recipes can the pie be paired with?
It pairs wonderfully with a creamy vegetable soup or a spicy tomato sauce, and for dessert, a fresh fruit tart would be the perfect ending.
So, I invite you to try this chicken and vegetable pie recipe. It is simple, delicious, and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Cooking is an art, and this pie is a masterpiece that you can easily create. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: 150 ml water, 5 g dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, ~ 250-300 g flour. For the filling: 1 chicken breast, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 egg, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 cup tomato juice, fresh parsley, 3 cloves garlic, salt and pepper, oregano, ~100 g cheese.
