Savory Hand Pies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/4 cup cold water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or vegetarian option) - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 1/2 cup carrots, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) For these savory hand pies, start with the dough. You will need all-purpose flour and salt. The butter must be cold and cubed. This helps make the crust flaky. Cold water binds the dough. Next, gather your filling. Olive oil adds flavor. You will use onion and garlic for a base. Cooked chicken gives protein. For veggies, choose frozen peas and diced carrots. Add dried thyme and paprika for spice. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, an egg wash will give a nice shine. Using fresh ingredients makes a difference. Sourcing local products can enhance taste. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To make the dough, start by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. This mix gives the hand pies their base. Next, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Cut it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter. Aim for a coarse crumb texture. Now, it’s time to bring the dough together. Gradually add in 1/4 cup of cold water. Mix until the dough forms a ball. Don’t overwork it! Once formed, wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps it become easier to roll out later. For the filling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté until it turns soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another minute to release the flavor. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken (or your choice of vegetables for a vegetarian option). Add in 1/2 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of diced carrots. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until all the ingredients are heated. Set it aside to cool slightly. After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles, each about 6 inches in diameter. To fill the hand pies, place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the circles in half over the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pies tight. This step keeps the filling inside while baking. With the hand pies assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To give them a beautiful finish, brush the tops with 1 beaten egg. This egg wash makes them golden brown while they bake. Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They should look golden and crisp when done. After baking, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory hand pies warm! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make the best dough, always use cold ingredients. Cold butter helps keep the dough flaky. When mixing, do not overwork the dough. Just combine until it looks like coarse crumbs. Overworking makes the dough tough, not tender. Adding spices can boost flavor. Try thyme, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne. These spices give depth and warmth. You can also add cheese, like cheddar or feta, for creaminess. If you want more texture, include vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. They add flavor and color to each bite. Savory hand pies shine when paired with dips. Serve them with a tangy yogurt sauce or spicy salsa. These dips add a nice contrast. For side dishes, think light salads or roasted veggies. They balance the rich flavors of the hand pies well. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink to complete the experience. {{image_2}} You can use various meats for your hand pies. Beef, pork, or turkey work great. Each option brings a unique taste. For beef, try ground chuck or sirloin. For pork, ground sausage adds a nice spice. Turkey gives a lighter option. Just cook the meat with spices and veggies before filling your dough. Vegetarian hand pies can be just as tasty. Use mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for filling. Mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor. Spinach gives a bright, fresh taste. Lentils are hearty and filling. Sauté these veggies with onions and garlic to enhance their flavor. You can even switch from savory to sweet. Use fruits like apples, berries, or peaches. Mix the fruit with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. This creates a sweet filling. You can bake the sweet hand pies like the savory ones. They'll be a hit for dessert! For more details, check out the Full Recipe to guide you through making these delicious variations. To keep your savory hand pies fresh, proper storage is key. - Refrigerating: Place the cooled hand pies in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing. - Freezing for later use: If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date! You have a couple of options when reheating your hand pies. - Microwave vs. oven reheating: The microwave is quick but can make the crust soft. The oven takes longer, but it helps keep the crust crispy. If you choose the microwave, heat for about 30 seconds, checking often. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. - Tips for maintaining crispness: To keep that crispy crust, try placing the hand pies on a baking sheet when using the oven. You can also put them on a wire rack to allow air to circulate around them. Enjoy that crunch! The best way to reheat hand pies is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat them for about 30 seconds. However, the crust may not stay crispy this way. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After you form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. This saves time when you are ready to bake. You can also freeze the dough. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. For a vegetarian option, you can use mushrooms, lentils, or tofu. These ingredients add great flavor and texture. You can also use mixed vegetables, like spinach or zucchini. They work well in the filling too. This way, you can enjoy hand pies without meat. You can tell your hand pies are done when they look golden brown. The crust should be firm to the touch. You can also check the filling temperature. It should be hot all the way through. If you see bubbling from the sides, they are ready to eat! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Making savory hand pies is easy and fun. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step methods, and creative variations. You can mix flavors, try different fillings, and even make sweet pies. Remember to store and reheat them properly for the best taste. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy making these tasty treats. Happy baking!$

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious savory hand pies, perfect for any meal or snack! This easy recipe combines flaky pastry with a flavorful filling of chicken and veggies, seasoned to perfection. In under an hour, you can create these mouthwatering treats that are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and get inspired to make these delightful hand pies at home!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 cup cold water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or use vegetable for a vegetarian option)

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup carrots, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Chicken and Veggies: Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, diced carrots, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles (about 6 inches in diameter).

Fill the Hand Pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle in half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Egg Wash: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a nice golden finish.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these hand pies warm!

Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12 hand pies