From Apple Pie to Shepherd’s Pie: 5 Sweet and Savory Recipes to Try
Pies have long been a beloved dessert option, but they also have a place in the savory world. The versatility of pies as a meal option is what makes them so popular. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s a pie recipe out there for you.
Pies have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. From the classic apple pie to the savory chicken pot pie, these dishes have stood the test of time. The combination of a flaky crust and a delicious filling is what makes pies so irresistible.
Not only are pies delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can make them with a variety of fillings, from fruits to vegetables to meats. Pies can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dessert. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pie recipes.
Classic Apple Pie Recipe
One of the most iconic pie recipes is the classic apple pie. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own:
Ingredients:
– 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples
– 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until the apples are coated.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the apple filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Allow the pie to cool before serving.
Tips for making the perfect crust:
– Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces. This will help create a flaky crust.
– Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it just until it comes together, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
– Use a light touch when rolling out the dough. Too much pressure can make the crust tough.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
– Pair with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a savory pie option, try this sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
6. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are golden brown.
The benefits of using sweet potatoes:
– Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
– They add a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
– Top with shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes for an extra cheesy crust.
The Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy. Here’s a recipe to make your own:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of milk
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and peas. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture has thickened.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
7. Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
8. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
9. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for making a creamy filling:
– Make sure to cook the flour for at least 1 minute to remove any raw taste.
– Whisk in the liquid slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
– Simmer the mixture until it has thickened to ensure a creamy consistency.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
– Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
Delicious Beef and Mushroom Pie Recipe
For a rich and flavorful pie, try this beef and mushroom recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of beef stew meat, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium heat. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until they are tender.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the skillet and cook until the mixture has thickened.
7. Return the beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
8. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
9. Pour the beef mixture into the pie crust.
10. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
11. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
The importance of using quality beef:
– Using high-quality beef will result in a more tender and flavorful filling.
– Look for beef stew meat that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
– Top with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Easy-to-Make Blueberry Hand Pies
If you’re looking for a convenient and portable option, try these easy-to-make blueberry hand pies:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well until the blueberries are coated.
3. Roll out the pie crusts and cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
4. Place a spoonful of the blueberry mixture onto one half of each circle.
5. Fold the other half of the circle over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
6. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
7. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
The convenience of hand pies:
– Hand pies are perfect for on-the-go snacking or for packing in lunches.
– They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
– Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat on the go.
Mouth-Watering Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe
For a healthy and flavorful option, try this mouth-watering spinach and feta pie recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are tender.
3. Stir in the spinach and cook until any excess moisture has evaporated.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour the spinach mixture into the pie crust.
7. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
8. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
The health benefits of spinach:
– Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber.
– It adds a vibrant green color and a fresh flavor to the pie.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
– Pair with a glass of white wine for a light and refreshing combination.
The Ultimate Steak and Ale Pie Recipe
For a hearty and flavorful option, try this ultimate steak and ale pie recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of ale or stout beer
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium heat. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until they are tender.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the beef broth and ale or stout beer. Bring to a simmer.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the skillet and cook until the mixture has thickened.
7. Return the beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
8. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
9. Pour the beef mixture into the pie crust.
10. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
11. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
The addition of ale for flavor:
– The ale or stout beer adds depth and richness to the filling.
– It pairs well with the beef and mushrooms, creating a savory and satisfying pie.
Serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic combination.
– Pair with a glass of ale or stout beer for a complete meal.