Chicken pie in puff pastry

Chicken liver pie in puff pastry

If you are looking for a delicious recipe that impresses with simplicity and refinement, chicken liver pie in puff pastry is the perfect choice. This dish is not only tasty but also brings a touch of elegance, making it ideal for festive meals or special occasions. Allow me to guide you step by step in creating this delicious pie, which combines the rich flavors of the ingredients with the delicate texture of the pastry.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg chicken gizzards and hearts
- 500 g chicken liver
- 600 g ground chicken
- 1 medium white onion
- 100-150 ml oil
- 2 teaspoons pepper paste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 8 raw eggs
- salt, pepper (to taste)
- 6 boiled eggs (for filling)
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg for brushing
- sesame seeds (for decoration)

A brief history of the pie:
The pie is a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures, often associated with holidays and festive meals. Although each region has its variant, the basic ingredients include organ meats, eggs, and various spices. This dish often symbolizes abundance and celebration, being a wonderful way to utilize every part of the animal.

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Cleaning and boiling the organs: Start by thoroughly cleaning the gizzards and hearts, then rinse them under cold water. Boil them in a pot with water and a teaspoon of salt. The same applies to the chicken liver, which should be boiled separately. It is recommended to do this operation the night before to save time.

2. Chopping: After boiling, let the organs cool, then chop them finely using a meat grinder. This will help achieve a fine and homogeneous texture.

3. Preparing the filling: Clean the white onion and chop it finely. In a pan, heat the oil and add the onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the ground meat. Let it sauté well until the meat turns white and changes color. Add the pepper paste and mix well, then let everything cool down.

4. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the gizzards, hearts, liver, sautéed meat, green onions, and finely chopped parsley. Break the 8 raw eggs into the bowl and mix the composition well. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring you get a uniform mixture.

Assembling the pie:
1. Preparing the pastry: On a lightly floured work surface, roll out a sheet of puff pastry. Make sure it is large enough to cover the loaf pan. Carefully place the pastry in the pan, letting the edges hang over the sides.

2. Filling: Put a generous layer of filling in the pan, then place the 6 boiled eggs side by side. Cover with another layer of filling, pressing down well to compact everything. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to seal the pie.

3. Finishing: Beat an egg with a little salt and brush the surface of the pastry, then sprinkle sesame seeds for a crunchy and appetizing look. Repeat the process with the other sheet of pastry, but this time without eggs inside.

Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pans in the oven and let the pie bake for about 2 hours. Towards the end, you can increase the temperature to 200°C to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

2. When the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. It is delicious both warm and cold, making it perfect for festive meals or as an appetizer at a party.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or beef, to achieve different flavors. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for extra flavor and color.
- Serving: The pie can be served alongside a fresh salad or with a garlic yogurt sauce, which will add a refreshing note to the dish.
- Storage: The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavor intensifies over time.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of pastry? Yes, you can experiment with pie dough or even gluten-free puff pastry if you have dietary restrictions.
- Can I add extra spices? Absolutely! Herbs like thyme or dill pair perfectly with the pie filling.

This chicken liver pie in puff pastry is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Enjoy your meal!