Spiced Vegetable Hand Pies

Spiced vegetable hand pies are golden, flaky pastries filled with a warm and aromatic vegetable filling. With a buttery crust and a blend of fragrant spices, these hand pies are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Serve them with a side of chutney or dip for an irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky and buttery crust – The Greek yogurt in the dough creates a tender, crisp pastry.
• Warm, spiced filling – A mix of potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices makes for a flavorful bite.
• Portable and convenient – Perfect for on-the-go snacks, picnics, or packed lunches.
• Versatile and customizable – You can easily modify the filling to suit your preferences.
• Baked, not fried – A lighter alternative to traditional fried pastries.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• all-purpose flour
• unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Greek yogurt
• egg
• salt
• ice water (as needed)
• egg yolk + milk (for egg wash)
• black sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Filling:

• potatoes, diced and boiled
• green peas
• onion, finely chopped
• olive oil
• cumin seeds
• turmeric
• garam masala
• chili flakes
• salt and pepper
• chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
   • Add cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
   • Stir in Greek yogurt and egg, then gradually add ice water until a smooth dough forms.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in chopped onion and cook until soft.
   • Add boiled potatoes, peas, turmeric, garam masala, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, then mix in chopped cilantro.
   • Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
   • Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle.
   • Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.

4. Bake the Hand Pies:

   • Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Brush with egg wash and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
   • Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 hand pies

Variations

• Cheesy Hand Pies – Add shredded cheese to the filling for extra richness.
• Curried Lentil Hand Pies – Replace potatoes with spiced lentils for a protein-packed option.
• Sweet Potato & Spinach – Swap regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes and add spinach.
• Meaty Option – Mix in ground chicken or beef for a heartier version.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked hand pies on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

What is a hand pie?

A hand pie is a small, portable pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients, similar to a turnover or empanada.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling it out.

Why is my dough too dry?

If the dough is crumbly, add a little more ice water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry or pie dough can be used for convenience.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure the edges are well-sealed by crimping them with a fork or pinching them tightly.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, you can deep-fry the hand pies at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

What dips go well with spiced vegetable hand pies?

They pair well with yogurt sauce, green chutney, or a spicy tomato dip.

Can I make mini hand pies?

Yes, use a smaller cutter and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I keep the crust flaky?

Using cold butter and chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain a flaky texture.

What can I serve with these hand pies?

They go well with a side salad, soup, or a refreshing yogurt dip.

Conclusion

Spiced vegetable hand pies are the perfect blend of a flaky, buttery crust and a warm, aromatic filling. Whether enjoyed as a snack, meal, or party appetizer, these golden-baked delights are sure to impress. Try different fillings and dipping sauces to make them your own!