Did you know that in the UK alone, households waste 6.5 million tonnes of food every year? Shockingly, 4.5 million tonnes of this is still perfectly edible. Food waste is a growing global concern with significant environmental and financial implications.
Imagine turning your leftovers into something exciting and delicious. With a little creativity, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint by repurposing leftover food.
One easy and satisfying solution is making homemade chicken pasties. These hearty, portable pastries are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a step towards more sustainable living. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or even a cozy dinner.
Read on to discover how you can transform your leftover chicken into these irresistible pasties, complete with an easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips for success.
Make the most of your leftovers by learning how to transform surplus chicken into delicious homemade pasties.
Why Make Pasties with Leftover Chicken?
- Minimize Food Waste: Turning leftovers into something delicious helps reduce food waste and contributes to environmental sustainability.
- Quick and Convenient: With the main ingredient already cooked, making pasties is a quick way to prepare a meal.
- Customizable: Pasties can be tailored to your taste by adding vegetables, seasonings, or sauces you have on hand.
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, a main course, or pack them for on-the-go meals.
Ingredients for Leftover Chicken Pasties
For the Pastry:
- 155g salted butter (cold, diced)
- 100g plain flour
- 100g wholemeal flour
- 2 medium eggs
For the Filling:
- 500g cooked chicken, diced
- 1 large cooked potato, diced
- 1 large cooked sweet potato, diced
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 beaten egg (for sealing and glazing)
Instructions
1. Make the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. For even distribution, shake the bowl side to side to bring any large lumps to the surface.
- Add the eggs and mix until the dough comes together. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, potato, sweet potato, onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.
- Optional: If using raw vegetables or meat, pre-cook or adjust the salt and moisture levels accordingly.
3. Roll Out the Pastry:
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled pastry to about 1cm thickness.
- Cut out circles roughly 15cm in diameter using a plate or pastry cutter.
4. Assemble the Pasties:
- Spoon the filling onto one side of each pastry circle, leaving a small border.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold the pastry over the filling, and press the edges together to seal.
- Crimp the edges for a traditional pasty look and poke two small holes on top to release steam.
5. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F.
- Place the pasties on a lined baking tray, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Pasties
Pastry Tips:
- Ensure butter is cold for a flaky texture.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use a food processor for faster dough preparation.
Filling Tips:
- If the filling seems dry, add a small dollop of butter or gravy before sealing the pasty.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking.
- Experiment with flavors: try adding leeks, cheese, or even a dash of curry powder for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Hot Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy.
- Light Lunch: Serve with a crisp salad or soup.
- Picnic Staple: Enjoy cold with other picnic essentials like pickles, cheese, and fruit.
Can You Freeze Leftover Chicken Pasties?
Absolutely! Cooked pasties can be cooled, wrapped in cling film, and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and bake at 190°C (170°C fan) for 30 minutes or until piping hot.
Conclusion
Transforming leftover chicken into delicious homemade pasties is not only a smart way to reduce food waste but also a treat for your taste buds. These versatile, customizable pastries are sure to become a household favorite. So next time you have leftover chicken, skip the bin and bake a batch of pasties instead!