Savory Hand Pies: A Delicious Delight
If you’re looking for a dish that is a perfect blend of crispy pastry and a hearty filling, look no further than savory hand pies! These little pockets of joy come packed with a mouthwatering filling of ground beef, vegetables, and fresh herbs that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is special not just because it’s irresistibly delicious but also due to how simple it is to whip up in your own kitchen. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, savory hand pies are sure to delight the whole family.
Fun fact: Hand pies have long been a favorite snack in various cultures around the globe—think of Cornish pasties in England, empanadas in Latin America, and samosas in South Asia. Just like my popular recipe for creamy chicken pot pie, these savory hand pies bring comfort and warmth, making them an ideal addition to any meal. So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into this delightful recipe; you won’t regret it!
What are Savory Hand Pies?
So, what’s the deal with the name “savory hand pies”? It sounds fancy, right? But really, these hand-held delights are just a fun way to encapsulate delicious fillings inside flaky pastry. Imagine a cozy pocket of goodness that you can hold in one hand while enjoying a chat with friends. It’s like the culinary equivalent of a quick hug on the go! Remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these hand pies might just lead the way. Why not roll up your sleeves and try making these savory hand pies? You’ll be glad you did!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Hand Pies Recipe
There are several reasons why this savory hand pies recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation. First, the main highlight is undoubtedly the delicious filling—a delightful mix of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs all encased in a flaky pastry crust.
Second, making these at home is a significant cost-saver compared to buying them at a bakery or a fast-food chain. You can customize the filling with whatever you have on hand, which is perfect for using up leftovers!
And let’s not forget about those flavorful toppings! With a sprinkle of thyme and a dash of your favorite sauce, you can enhance the savory goodness even further. If you love empanadas or meat pies, you’re going to enjoy these hand pies! So, why not give this recipe a go and impress your family with your culinary creativity today?
How to Make Savory Hand Pies
Quick Overview
Savory hand pies are an easy, delicious, and satisfying treat that are sure to please anyone. They only take about 30-40 minutes to prep and bake, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, they are versatile; you can fill them with a variety of ingredients based on what you have in your pantry!
Key Ingredients for Savory Hand Pies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄4 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 2 packages puff pastry sheets, frozen
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- Flaky salt (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so you achieve that perfect flaky crust.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until they are soft—about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the Ground Beef: Stir in the pressed garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, making sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Season and Thicken the Filling: Add the Italian seasoning, white pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Gradually add in the beef stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced potato, thyme, parsley, and green peas. Cook for an additional few minutes until the potato is tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into circles. You can use a large cookie cutter or a bowl for this.
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst while baking!
- Seal the Pies: Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the whisked egg for a gorgeous golden finish. Dust with flaky salt, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
What to Serve Savory Hand Pies With
Savory hand pies pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside a fresh mixed greens salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette for a delightful contrast. You can also offer a side of cream sauce or sriracha for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor. For drinks, a chilled lemonade or herbal iced tea can make for a refreshing complement to your meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Savory Hand Pies
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, you can fill these with just vegetables or lentils!
- Mind the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your ovens’ temperature and baking time; every oven is different and you want them crispy but not burnt.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can make sealing difficult and lead to leaks during baking, so be modest with your portions.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because these are so good!), store your savory hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before baking—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy more, bake from frozen for about 30-35 minutes at 400°F, adding a few extra minutes if needed. For reheating baked hand pies, reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore the crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the warm, flaky, and savory goodness of these delightful hand pies!
Savory Hand Pies: A Delicious Delight
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium white onion finely diced
- 1 carrot peeled and finely diced
- 1 rib celery finely diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 medium russet potato peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 2 packages puff pastry sheets frozen
- 1 egg whisked (for egg wash)
- Flaky salt optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so you achieve that perfect flaky crust.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until they are soft—about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the Ground Beef: Stir in the pressed garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, making sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Season and Thicken the Filling: Add the Italian seasoning, white pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Gradually add in the beef stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced potato, thyme, parsley, and green peas. Cook for an additional few minutes until the potato is tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into circles. You can use a large cookie cutter or a bowl for this.
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst while baking!
- Seal the Pies: Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the whisked egg for a gorgeous golden finish. Dust with flaky salt, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
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