Chicken and vegetable pie

Chicken and vegetable tart is a delicious and versatile recipe, perfect for quick lunches or family dinners. This tart not only looks good but also offers an explosion of flavors, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables and juicy chicken breast. Whether you use fresh chicken breast or leftovers from a previous meal, this tart will delight your guests and is sure to become a favorite dish.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 300 g chicken breast (hot or leftover from another meal)
- 2-3 carrots
- 2 medium onions
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red, but yellow can also be used)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 300 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 150-200 g cheese (fresh cheese is ideal)
- 1 tomato for decoration
- Olives for decoration

A Brief History of the Recipe

The tart is a culinary preparation with deep roots in the culinary tradition of many cultures. Over time, the tart has evolved from a simple crust filled with meat or vegetables to a wide range of recipes, including sweet ones. The chicken and vegetable tart is a captivating combination of meat and fresh vegetable filling, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Incorporate the cold butter cubes and, using a mixer or your fingers, knead until the mixture becomes granulated, similar to sand.

2. Add the egg: In the middle of the mixture, add the beaten egg. Mix well until the dough starts to come together.

3. Add water: If the dough is too dry, gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Be careful not to add too much water!

4. Refrigerate: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Cleaning the vegetables: Wash the vegetables well. Cut the onion and bell pepper into thin strips (julienne), and the carrots into rounds.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a little oil or butter and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the carrots and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes until they soften.

3. Preparing the chicken: If using fresh chicken breast, cut it into cubes and add it to the skillet, sautéing until golden. If using leftover chicken, make sure it is cut into small pieces and warmed.

4. Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors. Mix well and set aside.

5. Preparing the mixture: In a bowl, beat the sour cream with the two eggs. Add salt, pepper, and grated cheese, mixing until well combined. Incorporate the sautéed vegetables and chicken into this mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the tarts

1. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm.

2. Lining the tart pan: Place the dough in the tart pan, covering both the bottom and the sides. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.

3. Pre-baking: Place the tart shell in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 10 minutes. It will become slightly golden.

4. Adding the filling: Remove the tart shell from the oven and carefully pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the pre-baked crust. Level it well.

5. Decorating: Top with slices of tomato and olives for an attractive appearance.

6. Final baking: Return the tart to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is beautifully colored.

Step 4: Serving

Once the tart is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve the tart warm or at room temperature, garnished with a little chopped fresh parsley. It is delicious alongside a green salad or a yogurt garlic sauce, which will add a fresh and cooling note.

Useful Tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with tofu cheese or vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Storage conditions: The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- Serving ideas: Serve the tart with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade for a perfect meal.

Nutritional Benefits

The chicken and vegetable tart is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and parsley brings antioxidants and essential vitamins. This recipe is a healthy and nourishing choice, ideal for a family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even pork, depending on your preferences.

2. What vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower, depending on the season and your preferences.

3. How can I make the dough healthier?
Try replacing some of the flour with whole grain flour or cornmeal for a more nutritious version.

The chicken and vegetable tart is more than just a simple dish - it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. So put on your apron and prepare this delicious recipe, which is sure to leave an unforgettable impression! Enjoy your meal!