Watercress and lemon chicken pot pies
This take on a classic pub pie is just the right mix of fresh and indulgent. Put an afternoon aside to make this dish and experience proper comfort under a bronzed pastry crust.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan over a high heat. Add the chicken and fry, stirring, for 3-4 mins until sealed; transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onion and fry for 5-8 mins until soft. Stir in the flour and mustard, increase the heat to medium and slowly stir in the stock to make a smooth sauce.
- Return the chicken and any juices to the pan and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream, then tip into a sieve set over a large bowl to separate most of the sauce.
- Boil the carrots until just tender, then drain well.
- Blitz the sauce and 50g watercress in a food processor until smooth. Mix into the chicken with the carrots, spring onions, lemon zest and juice; season. Divide between 4 small pie dishes and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Brush the edges of the dishes with a little egg. Unroll the pastry and cut out 4 pie lids. Press the pastry to the edges of the dishes; trim any excess. Chill for at least 1 hr or overnight before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Brush the pastry twice with egg, cut a cross in the middle of each pie, then decorate by scoring lightly with a knife. Bake for 25-30 mins until the pastry is golden. 7 Toss the remaining watercress with the peas and serve with the pies and lemon wedges.
See more Pie recipes
Freezing and defrosting guidelines
In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.
View full recipe details