Great Recipes That Work--Basque Chicken Pie (serves 6-8) Kevin Ashton 2007
Posted: Monday, March 02, 2009
by kevin ashton
wannabetvchef
This wonderful traditional Basque Pie is great served either hot or cold.
Filling
1 yellow pepper
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 onion finely chopped
200g (8oz) ripe tomatoes
2 garlic cloves peeled
50g (2oz) cooked ham
300g (12oz) diced cooked chicken
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Pie Dough
Pinch of sugar
250ml (1 cup) warm milk
2 pkgs active yeast
500g (20oz) self-raising flour
½ teaspoon of salt
1 egg
1 egg yolk beaten
50g (2oz) softened butter
2. Beat the whole egg into the liquid then gradually add the flour and the butter.
3. Once a dough has formed transfer it to a floured surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
4. Place back in the bowl, cover and allow to double in size.
5. Begin the filling while the dough is rising. Remove the cores from the peppers and then cut them into a small dice.
6. Chop the tomatoes to about the same size as the peppers.
7. In a large deep non stick frying pan heat the oil then fry the peppers, onions and garlic until tender.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken and ham and simmer for 5 minutes, they remove from heat and add the salt & pepper to taste.
9. Divide the risen dough into 2 halves and roll them out into two 25cm (10 inch) circles, make the circles as large as your baking tray can fit.
10. Line the baking tray with baking parchment and place the one circle onto the tray.
11. When the filling is cool spread it onto the dough circle leaving 1cm (1/2") edge.
12. Cover with the second circle and seal the edges well.
13. Score lightly, brush with the egg yolk and bake for 45 minutes at 205 C gas mark 6 until the pie is golden brown.
To serve
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing the pie.
Chef's Tip
I like to serve this pie with salad and crushed new potatoes flavoured with olive oil and coriander.