Potato and meat pie

Potato and meat pie is one of those recipes that reminds us of warm and comforting meals from childhood. This delicious combination of tender chicken meat, fresh vegetables, and a crispy pie crust is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions. I invite you to discover this simple yet impressive recipe, with clear steps and helpful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, well washed and dried
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
- 350 ml chicken broth (or water if you don't have it)
- 500 g potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 package of pie dough (450 g)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A touch of history:
Pies are a traditional dish in many cultures, with deep roots in global culinary history. They have evolved over time, with each region adding its own ingredients and cooking styles. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or fruits, pies have always been appreciated for their versatility and the comfort they provide.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breast into small cubes so that it cooks evenly. Sprinkle flour over the pieces of meat and mix well with your hands to coat them evenly. This step will help achieve a delicious crust and thicken the sauce during cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the meat and vegetables
In a tall pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and fry them for 3-4 minutes until golden on all sides. Add the chopped onion and sauté together for 2 minutes until the onion becomes transparent. Then, add the carrot slices and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Step 3: Boiling the potatoes
Meanwhile, prepare a pot with water and salt. Once the water is boiling, add the diced potatoes and boil them until they become crumbly, about 15-20 minutes. Well-cooked potatoes will add a fine texture to the pie.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Remove the potatoes from the water and drain them well. Add the boiled potatoes to the pan over the meat and vegetable mixture, and gently stir to combine the ingredients. Now, beat the egg in a small bowl; this will be used to brush the pie. The egg will provide a shiny appearance and a golden texture.

Step 5: Assembling the pie
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a tall oven-safe dish and carefully pour the mixture from the pan into the dish, leveling it evenly. Cover everything with the pie crust, cutting off any excess edges. Make sure the pie crust is well placed, as this will create a delicious crust around the filling.

Step 6: Finalizing the pie
Using a teaspoon and the tips of your fingers, fold the edges of the pie crust inward to seal the filling. Brush the top with the beaten egg and create a few slits in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking. This step is important to prevent the pie from puffing up excessively.

Step 7: Baking the pie
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible!

Serving the potato and meat pie
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the pie alongside a fresh vegetable salad or steamed vegetables for a contrast of textures and flavors. A personal suggestion is to add a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or pork, adjusting the cooking time based on the type of meat used.

2. How can I make the pie less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of oil used and choose a low-fat pie dough. Additionally, adding more vegetables will enhance the nutritional value.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you want to prepare it, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.

Nutritional benefits:
This pie is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to healthy ingredients like chicken meat, carrots, and potatoes. It also contains complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy.

Possible variations:
You can vary the ingredients by adding mushrooms, peas, or even spinach. You can also add spices like paprika, thyme, or rosemary to customize the pie's flavor.

In conclusion, potato and meat pie is a versatile and comforting recipe that can be adapted to everyone's tastes. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special event, it is sure to be appreciated by all. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every bite!