Delia Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe

Delia Smith's Chicken and Leek Pie is a quintessential British comfort food, perfect for a cold, grey winter day. This recipe combines tender chicken and leeks with a creamy cheese sauce, all encased in a crisp puff pastry. It's a dish that celebrates the simplicity and heartiness of British cuisine, and it's sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for the Chicken and Leek Pie:

• Chicken breasts, boneless, with skin (2 pieces)
• Medium leeks (2)
• Dry cider (275 ml)
• Medium carrots, peeled and sliced (2)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Fresh thyme, small sprig (1)
• Puff pastry, fresh or frozen and defrosted (225 g)
• Milk, flour, butter for the sauce
• Cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese for seasoning and sprinkling
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper

Preparation Instructions:

1. Start by simmering the cider with carrots, bay leaf, thyme, and seasoning in a saucepan.
2. Clean and slice the leeks, then add them with the chicken to the pan, covering and simmering.
3. Prepare the sauce by whisking milk, flour, butter, and cayenne pepper on heat until smooth, then add cheeses and seasoning.
4. After cooking, drain the chicken and vegetables, reserving the liquid. Reduce the liquid in the pan.
5. Preheat the oven. Combine the sauce with the cider reduction, add back the chicken and vegetables, and place in a baking dish.
6. Prepare the pastry lid, place it over the dish, decorate with pastry leaves if desired, brush with beaten egg, and bake until golden.

Storage and Reheating: This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in a preheated oven at 180°C until warmed through. The pie can also be frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the oven time when ready to cook from frozen.

Nutritional Information: This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and provides a good source of vitamins from the leeks and carrots. However, due to the pastry and cream-based sauce, it's also high in calories and fat. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ about the Chicken and Leek Pie:

• Can I use store-bought pastry? Yes, using ready-rolled puff pastry makes this recipe even easier.
• Is it possible to make this pie with a different filling? Absolutely, you can substitute some of the leeks with mushrooms or add other vegetables to your liking.
• Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point of baking and keep it refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to cook it.

Delia Smith's Chicken and Leek Pie is not just a recipe; it's a comforting embrace in the form of food. It's perfect for those days when you need a little warmth and comfort, and it's sure to be a hit with family and friends alike​​​​.