Mary Berry Chicken and Ham Pie Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's Apple and Blackberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 175g caster sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 150g butter, melted; 250g cooking apples, peeled and sliced; 150g blackberries; 25g flaked almonds

Discover the warmth and comfort of Mary Berry's Chicken and Ham Pie, a recipe that embodies the essence of home-cooked perfection. This dish, a testament to Mary Berry's culinary prowess, is not just a meal but a celebration of flavors that have been cherished across generations.

Brief Description of the Recipe Mary Berry's Chicken and Ham Pie is a classic British dish that combines tender chicken and savory ham in a creamy filling, encased in a flaky pastry. It's a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Cultural or Historical Context Pies have been a staple in British cuisine for centuries, symbolizing comfort and hospitality. Mary Berry, a revered figure in British cooking, has refined this classic dish, making it a beloved recipe in homes across the UK.

Ingredients List For a sumptuous Chicken and Ham Pie, gather the following ingredients:

British free-range chicken (2kg), infused with fresh thyme, lemon, and bay leaves for roasting.
For the filling: leeks (200g), roast ham (200g) cut into strips, frozen peas (150g), and fresh curly parsley (2 tbsp) to enrich the flavors.
Plain flour (80g) and single cream (1-2 tbsp) contribute to the pie's creamy texture.
A large free-range egg yolk adds richness to the dish.
The pie crust is made from butter (250g), plain flour (350g), fine salt, and ice-cold water, creating a quick flaky pastry that's both tender and crisp.

Preparation Instructions

Begin by roasting the chicken with thyme, lemon, and bay leaves, creating a flavorful base for the pie.
Prepare the quick flaky pastry by combining flour, salt, and grated butter, then adding ice-cold water to form a pliable dough.
Cook leeks until softened, then combine with roasted chicken, ham, peas, and parsley, creating a rich filling.
For the sauce, cook onions, add flour and stock, then combine with the chicken mixture, adding cream for extra richness.
Assemble the pie in a buttered cake tin, adding the filling and covering with pastry, ensuring a tight seal.
Bake until golden brown, revealing a pie that's both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Storage and Reheating This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C/350°F until thoroughly warmed through. The pie also freezes well for longer storage.

Nutritional Information Per serving, the pie offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It contains approximately 706 calories, with 35.9g of fat, 51.5g of protein, and 44.7g of carbohydrates.

FAQ about the Chicken and Ham Pie

Can I use store-bought pastry? Yes, you can use store-bought pastry for convenience, though homemade pastry adds a special touch.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make the pie crust more flaky? Ensure the butter is cold when making the pastry, and don't overwork the dough.

In summary, Mary Berry's Chicken and Ham Pie is more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace in the form of a pie. Its rich flavors and flaky pastry make it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to experience the heart of British cuisine. Embrace the joy of cooking by bringing this beloved dish to your table.

Original recipe by Mary Berry.

For a detailed recipe and more tips, visit Delicious Magazine and Saturday Kitchen Recipes.

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