Creamy Open Pie is a delightful dish that combines a crispy crust with a rich and flavorful filling, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. This versatile recipe serves as a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to customize it with various vegetables and cheeses. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting friends, Creamy Open Pie will surely impress with its comfort food appeal and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat flour (250g)
- 100g cold butter or margarine, cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water (if needed)
- 200g good quality cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
- 200g grated mozzarella or small cubes
- 200g good quality cream cheese
- 1 medium seedless tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 small onion, finely chopped
- Sliced green olives to taste
- Dried oregano to taste
- Chopped fresh chives to taste (or parsley)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter or margarine and incorporate it with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. If too dry, add ice water until smooth and uniform.
- Line a springform pan with the dough and pre-bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine chicken, mozzarella, tomato, onion, olives, oregano, and parsley. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked dough, spreading evenly. Decorate with olives and sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for another 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before unmolding.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Nutrition Info (per serving): Approximately 350 calories, 24g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 15g protein.
How to serve
Creamy Open Pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. For a quick and enjoyable presentation, cut the pie into wedges and serve each slice on individual plates, inviting guests to add their favorite hot sauce or relish for an extra kick.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of cheese in the recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar, feta, or gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
Q2: Is it possible to prepare the pie in advance?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time. Just assemble and bake it on the day you plan to serve for the best texture.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A3: Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would make excellent additions to the filling, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Creamy Open Pie
Creamy Open Pie is a delightful dish that combines a crispy crust with a rich filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
For the crust
- 2 cups wheat flour ((250g))
- 100 g cold butter or margarine, cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water ((if needed))
For the filling
- 200 g good quality cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
- 200 g grated mozzarella or small cubes
- 200 g good quality cream cheese
- 1 medium seedless tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 small onion, finely chopped
- Sliced green olives to taste
- Dried oregano to taste
- Chopped fresh chives to taste (or parsley)
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter or margarine and incorporate it with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. If too dry, add ice water until smooth and uniform.
Baking the crust
- Line a springform pan with the dough and pre-bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Making the filling
- In another bowl, combine chicken, mozzarella, tomato, onion, olives, oregano, and parsley. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Assembling and baking
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked dough, spreading evenly. Decorate with olives and sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for another 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before unmolding.
Creamy Open Pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. For a quick and enjoyable presentation, cut the pie into wedges and serve each slice on individual plates, inviting guests to add their favorite hot sauce or relish for an extra kick.