Chicken and mushroom pies

Chicken and Mushroom Pies – a delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

Who doesn't love pies? These delights, with a fluffy texture and savory filling, remind us of family meals, moments filled with warmth and joy. Today, I will share the perfect recipe for chicken and mushroom pies, an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a festive dinner with loved ones. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, and it will make you want to repeat it again and again.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
- 25 g fresh yeast

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g chicken breast (skinless)
- 100 g canned mushrooms (or fresh, as preferred)
- 100 g cheese (grated)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg (for filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
- 20 g sesame seeds (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Gradually add 50 ml of warm milk (not hot, as it can kill the yeast) and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you get a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the yeast rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This is the secret to a fluffy dough!

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the risen yeast, the 2 eggs, the remaining milk, and the salt. Start kneading the dough with your hands or with a mixer fitted with dough hooks. When the dough begins to pull away from your hands, add the soft butter and continue kneading for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

3. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Grind the chicken breast in a meat grinder or chop it finely with a knife. If using fresh mushrooms, clean and chop them finely. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mushrooms, red pepper, green onion, grated cheese, egg, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Shaping the pies: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm. In each square, cut a frame in the middle (without cutting all the way through), where you will add the filling. Brush the entire surface of the squares with beaten egg yolk mixed with a little milk – this will give the pies a beautiful golden color.

5. Filling and baking: Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each square. Bring the four corners of the square to the center and pinch them together lightly to seal. Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brushed with egg yolk, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pies are golden and browned.

6. Serving: These pies can be served warm or cold, and they are perfect for a quick snack or to bring to a gathering with friends. You can accompany them with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce for a delicious contrast.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as grated carrot or zucchini, to make them healthier.
- If you want a stronger flavor, try adding Asian spices, such as soy sauce or grated ginger.
- These pies are ideal for freezing. After they cool, you can place them in freezer bags and reheat them when you crave a quick snack.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, making sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package. Usually, 9 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it doubles in volume and becomes fluffy. You can lightly press it with your finger, and the imprint should remain visible.
3. What other fillings can I use?
Experiment with various fillings, such as cottage cheese, spinach, pork, or even sweet fillings like apples or sweet cheese.

Nutritional values (per estimated serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

These chicken and mushroom pies are not just a meal option, but also a way to bring family and friends together. So don’t hesitate, get adventurous, and start preparing this delicious recipe! Enjoy!