Savory Hand Pies
Introduction
Savory hand pies are delicious little pockets of joy filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and herbs. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Easy to make and fun to eat, these hand pies will satisfy your cravings with every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making savory hand pies is a great way to enjoy comfort food that you can also customize. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for meal prep. You can also fill them with any leftovers you may have, reducing food waste and saving money!
How to Make Savory Hand Pies
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
- Black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 ratio lean to fat)
- 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 into 1/4 – 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 2 (17.3 ounce) packages puff pastry sheets, frozen
- 1 egg, whisked for egg wash
- Flaky salt, optional garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, white pepper, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Gradually add the beef stock, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Mix in the diced potatoes, thyme, parsley, and peas. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Savory Hand Pies
Savory hand pies are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, like mustard or ketchup. They also pair nicely with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Savory Hand Pies
To store leftover hand pies, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Savory Hand Pies
- Keep the filling cool before assembling the pies to make them easier to handle.
- If you want a crunchier crust, you can brush the bottoms of the pies with a bit of olive oil before baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, if you want to make these vegetarian, you can use lentils or mushrooms in place of the meat.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pastry instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can use homemade pastry if you prefer. Just be sure to roll it out thinly for the best results.
2. Can I prepare these hand pies in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the filling and assemble the hand pies ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
3. How long do hand pies take to bake?
Savory hand pies typically take about 25-30 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown.
