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To make savory hand pies, you need basic and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you'll use: - 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 - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 1/2 cup carrots, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 egg, beaten (for an egg wash) These ingredients work together to create a tasty hand pie that you can enjoy at any time. You can customize your hand pies with a few extra ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Cheese (like cheddar or feta) for a creamy touch - Spinach or kale for added greens - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Different spices, like cumin or chili powder, for more kick - Leftover roasted vegetables to reduce waste Feel free to explore and make the recipe your own! Choosing fresh ingredients is key for great flavor. Here are my top tips: - Look for bright, crisp vegetables without blemishes. - Choose butter that smells fresh, not rancid. - Select chicken that is firm and has no off odor. - Check the expiration dates on frozen peas and other frozen items. Fresh ingredients make your hand pies taste amazing! If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To start, gather your ingredients for the dough. You need all-purpose flour, salt, cold butter, and cold water. First, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Next, add the cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter. Work it until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, slowly add the cold water. Mix it gently until the dough holds together. Shape it into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough get firm and easy to roll out later. While the dough chills, let’s make the filling. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step brings out the garlic's great flavor. Now, mix in the cooked chicken and vegetables. I like using peas and carrots for color and taste. Add dried thyme, smoked paprika, and some salt and pepper. Stir everything well and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool. Now it’s time to roll out the dough. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Flour your work surface lightly. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles, about 6 inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal them tightly. Next, place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. They should turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy these tasty treats warm! For the best hand pies, focus on your dough. You want it to be tender and flaky. Use cold butter and water. This keeps the fat solid, which creates flakiness. When mixing the flour and butter, don’t overwork it. Stop when it looks like coarse crumbs. If it feels dry, add a tiny bit of water. After making your dough, chill it. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier. Your filling can be as creative as you like! Start with a base of cooked protein, like chicken or beans. Add vegetables for color and flavor. Try spinach, mushrooms, or potatoes. Season your filling well. Use herbs like thyme or spices like paprika for depth. Mix and match flavors. Just remember, do not overfill; leave space for sealing the edges. Searing your filling is a game changer. It adds a rich, deep flavor. Heat your skillet before adding any oil. Sear your onions until they caramelize. This takes about 5 minutes. Then add garlic for a fragrant punch. Mix in your proteins and veggies. Let them cook until golden. This extra step makes your hand pies taste gourmet! {{image_4}} You can easily switch the chicken for vegetables. Use roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Spinach, feta, and ricotta make a great mix too. Just chop them finely and sauté before adding to your dough. This way, you still enjoy a tasty hand pie. Each bite will be full of flavor and color. Want to mix it up? Try Mediterranean flavors. Use feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. This will give your hand pies a fresh taste. For an Indian twist, add spiced potatoes and peas. Season with cumin and coriander for extra zest. These ideas let you explore global flavors right from your kitchen. Hand pies appear in many cultures. In Argentina, you find empanadas filled with beef or cheese. They often have a flaky crust. In Poland, pierogi are filled with potatoes and cheese. They bring comfort and warmth to meals. Each region adds its unique spin. Explore these styles to create your own special hand pies. To keep your savory hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This way, they won't sweat and become soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze hand pies, let them cool down fully. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the number you want and reheat. To reheat, the oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave, but the crust won’t be as crisp. Enjoy your tasty hand pies! To make savory hand pies from scratch, start with the dough. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter until the mix looks crumbly. Slowly add 1/4 cup of cold water until the dough forms. Chill it for 30 minutes. For the filling, sauté 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 cup of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup frozen peas, and 1/2 cup diced carrots. Season with dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roll out the dough, cut circles, fill, fold, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. If you want to swap chicken, use roasted vegetables. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for flavor. Lentils or beans also work great for protein. Try using your favorite grains, like quinoa or rice, too. Mix and match to create your perfect filling. This way, you can enjoy a tasty, meat-free hand pie. Savory hand pies can be healthy, depending on the ingredients. Whole grains in the dough can add fiber. Using fresh veggies boosts nutrients. You can control the fats by limiting butter. Opt for olive oil instead for cooking. If you use lean meats or plant-based proteins, that helps too. Portion size matters; enjoy them in moderation for a balanced meal. Homemade hand pies last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat. Enjoy your tasty treats anytime! In this article, we explored how to create savory hand pies. We covered essential and optional ingredients, guiding you to select only the freshest. I shared step-by-step instructions for making the dough and filling, plus simple rolling and baking tips. You learned how to perfect your dough and explore unique flavor variations. Finally, I provided storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. With all this, you can now craft delicious hand pies your way. Enjoy the process and share them with friends!

Savory Hand Pies

Indulge in the deliciousness of savory hand pies with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these tasty treats feature a flaky crust filled with chicken and vegetables, seasoned to perfection. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a snack, they’re sure to impress. Click through now to explore the full recipe and start your hand pie journey today!
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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 substitute with a variety of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option)

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup carrots, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten (for an egg wash)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gently incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, until the mixture attains a coarse crumb consistency. Gradually drizzle in the cold water, mixing gently until the dough begins to hold together. Shape the formed dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

    Make the Filling: In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add Chicken and Vegetables: Mix in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, diced carrots, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

        Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass, aiming for circles about 6 inches in diameter.

          Fill the Hand Pies: Place a generous heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold each circle in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Firmly crimp the edges with a fork to ensure a good seal.

            Egg Wash: Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a brush, apply the beaten egg to the tops of the hand pies to achieve a beautiful golden finish as they bake.

              Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the hand pies achieve a lovely golden brown color.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture!

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the hand pies on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter. Pair them with a side of tangy dipping sauce, such as a zesty yogurt sauce or a homemade garlic aioli, for an added flavor boost. Enjoy!