Chicken and Onion Pie
Chicken and Onion Pie Recipe from Belize with Margarine, Flour, and Cheese
Introduction
Chicken and Onion Pie is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This savory pie is filled with tender chicken, caramelized onions, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust.
History
The origins of Chicken and Onion Pie can be traced back to traditional British cuisine, where savory pies have been a staple for centuries. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Heat a frying pan and add 0.5 stick of margarine. Sauté the onions until tender. (Do not burn). Remove from heat.
- Gradually add flour and milk to make a thick sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped chicken and egg yolk. Combine all ingredients.
- Grease a pie dish and set it aside.
- Mix bread crumbs with the other 0.5 stick of margarine.
- Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9" pie dish.
- Fill the dish with the chicken and onion mixture.
- Garnish the top with grated cheese.
- Bake for about 30 minutes in a moderate oven at 350°F / 180°C.
Variations
- Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different twist on this recipe.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to customize the flavor of the pie.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to sauté the onions until they are tender and caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Gradually add the flour and milk to the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
- Press the breadcrumb and cheese mixture firmly into the pie dish to create a crispy crust.
- Bake the pie in a moderate oven to ensure that it cooks evenly and the crust becomes golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken and Onion Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking techniques for Chicken and Onion Pie include sautéing, making a roux, baking, and garnishing. These techniques help to develop the flavors and textures of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of the sauce.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling for Chicken and Onion Pie in advance and assemble the pie just before baking. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the top of the pie with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve the pie in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Chicken and Onion Pie pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. It also goes well with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Chicken and Onion Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chicken and Onion Pie contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chicken and Onion Pie contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chicken and Onion Pie contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Chicken and Onion Pie contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken and Onion Pie is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese) and gluten (flour, breadcrumbs).
Summary
Chicken and Onion Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.
Summary
Chicken and Onion Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy filling, crispy crust, and savory flavors, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a cherished photograph in an old family album. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the hum of buzzing bees. I had been visiting my friend Rose, a sweet elderly lady who lived in a quaint cottage on the outskirts of town.
As I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on a cup of fragrant chamomile tea, Rose suddenly disappeared into her pantry. She emerged moments later with a tattered recipe book in her hands, its pages yellowed and crinkled with age. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me the book and said, "I think you'll enjoy this recipe, dear. It's been in my family for generations."
I eagerly flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the faded handwriting of the recipe for Chicken and Onion Pie. I could feel my mouth watering as I read the list of ingredients and instructions. This was no ordinary pie – it was a labor of love, a testament to the culinary skills of generations past.
I thanked Rose profusely for sharing the recipe with me, promising to make it for my family that weekend. As I drove home, the sun setting in a blaze of golden hues, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious pie that awaited me in my kitchen.
The next morning, I gathered the ingredients for the Chicken and Onion Pie – tender chicken thighs, sweet onions, fragrant herbs, and a flaky pie crust. As I diced and sautéed and simmered, the familiar scents of my childhood filled my kitchen, transporting me back to simpler times when my own grandmother would cook for our family with love and care.
Finally, the pie was ready – golden brown and bubbling with savory goodness. I couldn't wait to share it with my family, to pass on this cherished recipe to the next generation. As we sat around the table, laughing and talking and savoring each bite of the pie, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our family for years to come.
Over the years, I have made the Chicken and Onion Pie countless times, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, watched as their eyes lit up with delight at the first bite. And each time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day, when Rose handed me the recipe that would become a part of my family's culinary legacy.
As I grow older, my hands wrinkled and weathered with age, I find solace in the simple act of cooking. In the kitchen, surrounded by the scents and sounds of my childhood, I am at peace. And as I pass on the recipe for Chicken and Onion Pie to my grandchildren, I know that the tradition will live on, a thread connecting us to our past and to each other.
So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for a recipe that will warm your heart and fill your belly, remember the story of the Chicken and Onion Pie. Remember the love and care that went into each ingredient, each step of the process. And remember that the simple act of cooking can bring joy and connection to those around you.
Categories
| Belizean Meat Dishes | Belizean Recipes | Breadcrumb Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Evaporated Milk Recipes | Onion Recipes | Savory Pie Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |