Ham pie is a savory dish that can be made with various ingredients, often featuring ham as the star. It’s a great way to use leftover ham and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious ham pie.
Ham Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (such as peas, carrots, or spinach)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or parsley) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded cheese, cooked vegetables, chopped onion, beaten eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and any herbs you’re using. Mix well to combine.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish (about 1/8 inch thick). Place the rolled-out dough into a greased pie dish.
5. Fill the Pie:
- Pour the ham filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Top the Pie:
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can either cut slits in the top crust for ventilation or leave it whole. If you leave it whole, make sure to poke a few holes in it to allow steam to escape.
- Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- Leftover ham pie can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your delicious ham pie!