Can I make these hand pies larger for a main dish?

Absolutely! Instead of making 18 small pies, you can cut larger circles (about 5-6 inches) and make 6-8 bigger hand pies. Just increase the filling accordingly and add 5-7 minutes to the baking time, checking that the pastry is golden and the filling is hot throughout.

What can I substitute for curry powder if I don't have any?

If you don't have curry powder, you can make a quick substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, and a pinch of ground ginger and cinnamon. Adjust to taste, as curry powders can vary significantly in flavor profile.

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Yes! While the texture will be different (more tender and less flaky), a homemade or store-bought pie crust works wonderfully. Roll it slightly thinner than you would for a traditional pie and reduce the baking time by about 2-3 minutes.

Why did my hand pies leakduring baking?

Leakage usually happens for two reasons: overfilling or inadequate sealing. Make sure you're using just about a tablespoon of filling per small pie, and take extra care to press the edges firmly together before crimping with a fork. Also, make sure your filling isn't too hot or too liquid when assembling.

Easy Curry Chicken Hand Pies Recipe

Description

These delicious and easy curry chicken hand pies are the perfect combination of savory and flaky. With a savory chicken curry filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry, they’re great as a snack, appetizer, or even a light main course. Perfect for entertaining or satisfying your craving for something warm and comforting.

Ingredients

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For the Filling:

2 teaspoons salted butter
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup carrots, diced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 cup sliced curry chicken, diced (any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, works well)

For the Pastry:

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, whisked
2 tablespoons water
Flake sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the vegetables
Add the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the celery, onion, and carrots, stirring to coat them in the melted butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Make the curry mixture
Stir in the all-purpose flour and curry powder until the vegetables are evenly coated, and a paste begins to form. Gradually add the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to thicken for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Add sour cream and chicken
Stir in the sour cream and the diced curry chicken until well combined. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the puff pastry
Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Use the bottom of a glass or a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the dough. You should get about 18 circles from the two sheets.
Assemble the hand pies
Place 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edge of each circle with a small amount of water, fold the dough over to cover the filling, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to create ridges along the edges for a secure seal. Place the hand pies on a greased baking sheet, keeping them about 1 inch apart.
Prepare for baking
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of each hand pie with this egg wash, then sprinkle lightly with flake sea salt for added flavor.
Bake the pies
Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden-brown. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious treats!

Notes

To save time, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. This will make the recipe even quicker to assemble.
These hand pies can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply assemble, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen for a quick snack anytime.
Experiment with different fillings like vegetables, potatoes, or even cheese to vary the flavors.
If curry powder isn’t available, you can substitute with turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of coriander for a similar flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pie
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 410
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg