These Crispy Curried Chicken Pies encapsulate the warm, comforting essence of home-cooked meals. Each pie, golden and flaky, encloses a heartily spiced mixture of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, all brought together with a smooth, cheesy cream sauce. This dish not only fills the room with its inviting aroma but also promises a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
Perfect for any meal of the day, these pies are a testament to the joy of baking and the endless possibilities within the realm of savory pastries. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a satisfying meal, these pies are sure to be a hit, blending traditional flavors with a touch of culinary artistry.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 350 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Water (to knead the dough)
- For the Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 300 grams of chicken breast, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- For the Cheese Cream:
- 250 ml of milk
- 1 teaspoon of starch (10 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of butter (10 grams)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Grated cheese, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the butter and mix well.
- Gradually add water and knead until you have a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until they soften.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Season with salt, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and red chili powder.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the starch with a little water to make a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the hot milk and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add the butter, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and grated cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pies:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll out each portion into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle or rectangle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle or rectangle and seal the edges by pressing them with a fork.
- Place the filled sandwiches or pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy pies hot, topped with the cheese cream.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Kcal: 520 | Servings: 4
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The inspiration for Crispy Curried Chicken Pies comes from a love for hearty, comforting meals that bring people together. The combination of curry spices with chicken is a classic that resonates with many cultures around the world, making it a relatable yet exotic choice for any table.
What Makes It Special?
1. The Crust: The dough for these pies is simple yet perfect — soft enough to easily mold yet sturdy enough to hold its shape and encase the rich filling. The crust bakes up crispy and golden, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
2. The Filling: Each pie is stuffed with a rich blend of diced chicken, onions, and bell peppers, all seasoned with a handpicked selection of spices including ginger, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and a hint of red chili for that extra kick. The filling is not just flavorful but also colorful, making each bite a feast for the eyes as well.
3. The Cheese Cream Sauce: Perhaps what sets these pies apart is the velvety cheese cream sauce. It’s a simple sauce that combines milk, starch, and butter, enriched with grated cheese and seasoned with nutmeg to create a creamy topping that complements the spiced chicken filling beautifully.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Crispy Curried Chicken Pies is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of protein, while the spices used, like turmeric and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of bell peppers adds a dose of vitamins A and C.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Standalone Dish: Serve these pies fresh from the oven with a side of the creamy cheese sauce for dipping.
- With a Side: Pair them with a light, refreshing salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
- As Party Food: Their size makes them ideal for parties or gatherings, where they can be served as appetizers or part of a buffet.
Customization Ideas
The recipe is highly adaptable:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with a mixture of potatoes, peas, and carrots for a vegetarian version without losing the essence of the dish.
- Vary the Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference or experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or coriander for a different flavor profile.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with various types of cheese in the sauce to find the flavor that best suits your taste.
In Conclusion
Crispy Curried Chicken Pies are more than just a dish; they are a comforting experience meant to be savored. Each element, from the flaky crust to the spiced filling and creamy sauce, works in harmony to deliver a truly satisfying culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe promises to deliver joy and flavor to your cooking repertoire.