These savory hand pies are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack. They’re portable, flavorful, and customizable, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of ready-made puff pastry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a small plate as a guide, cut out circles from the pastry sheets.
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edges. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of the filling.
- Fold the other half of the pastry circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to secure. Repeat with the remaining pastry circles and filling.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory hand pies warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- You can customize the filling based on your preferences. Try using different meats like beef or turkey, or swap the vegetables for your favorites.
- Make a vegetarian version by using tofu or a meat substitute instead of chicken.
- Serve the hand pies with a side salad or dipping sauce for a complete meal.
- These hand pies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
