Comforting Winter Pies to Warm Your Soul
As temperatures plummet across Britain, few dishes provide the same level of comfort as a freshly baked pie. Award-winning chef Ravinder Bhogal has created three exceptional winter pie recipes that promise to delight your taste buds while offering nutritional benefits. Contrary to social media perfection, Bhogal emphasises that a pie's true value lies in quality ingredients rather than flawless appearance.
The Flu-Fighting Filo Chicken Pie
This standout recipe features a golden filo pastry encasing a therapeutic chicken filling. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including ginger, turmeric, and walnuts, this pie serves as both comfort food and natural remedy. The preparation requires 15 minutes with 2 hours cooking time, serving six people generously. Key components include bone-in chicken thighs, fresh turmeric, dried cranberries for vitamin C, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon and allspice.
The method involves slowly caramelising onions in ghee before adding aromatic spices and chicken. After simmering with stock, the shredded meat combines with nuts, cranberries, and herbs before being enveloped in butter-brushed filo sheets. The result is a crispy, golden parcel bursting with flavour and health benefits.
Coconut and Curry Leaf Fish Pies
For those seeking tropical flavours during grey British winters, Bhogal's south Indian-inspired fish pie provides the perfect escape. This innovative take on traditional fish pie incorporates coconut cream, fresh curry leaves, and tamarind paste for a vibrant, aromatic experience. The recipe serves six and requires approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from preparation to table.
The filling features sustainable white fish fillets, prawns, and hard-boiled eggs in a rich coconut sauce, while the topping consists of creamy mashed potatoes infused with turmeric and aromatics. The Guardian specifically notes that this recipe follows sustainable fish guidelines, encouraging cooks to check local ratings in the UK, Australia, or US.
Supergreens and Cheese Pot Pie
Vegetarians need not miss out on winter pie comfort with this iron-rich greens and cheese combination. Using kale, spinach, broccoli, and fresh herbs, this wholesome pie delivers both nutrition and flavour. The recipe cleverly combines feta and ricotta cheeses with pine nuts and currants, all blanketed by crisp puff pastry.
Preparation takes just 10 minutes with 1 hour cooking time, making it an accessible midweek option. Bhogal suggests serving this vibrant pie with a light, leafy salad to balance the richness. The recipe demonstrates flexibility, allowing cooks to substitute chard or turnip tops depending on seasonal availability.
These three distinct pie recipes from Ravinder Bhogal offer British cooks delicious solutions for winter dining, whether seeking immune-boosting properties, exotic flavours, or vegetarian comfort. Each recipe maintains the essential satisfaction of homemade pie while introducing global influences and nutritional considerations.
