Making an American-style pot pie from scratch at home involves preparing a savory filling and a flaky pie crust. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you make a delicious pot pie:
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (or substitute with cooked turkey, beef, or vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2/3 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled cubed butter.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, form them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. If using pre-cooked meat or vegetables, skip this step and add them later to the sauce.
- Stir in the diced carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add the flour, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Cook for a few more minutes until the filling has a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble and Bake the Pot Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one portion of the chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a deep-dish pie plate or a 9-inch pie dish.
- Place the rolled-out dough in the dish and press it gently to fit. Trim the excess dough around the edges.
- Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second portion of the pie dough and place it on top of the filling. You can make a full crust or create a lattice design by cutting strips of dough and weaving them over the filling.
- Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie.
- Make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Optionally, brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice into portions and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting and flavorful American-style pot pie!
You can modify the filling ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using different meats, vegetables, or adding additional seasonings. This recipe serves as a starting point, and you can get creative with different flavor combinations to make the pot pie uniquely yours. Enjoy!