Chicken pie

Serves 6

Instead of a typical puff pastry, chicken pie can be just as delicious with a homemade pouring batter
on top.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts on the bone, skin and all fat removed
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 black peppercorns
• 4 whole cloves
• ½ tsp (2,5 ml) salt
• 1½ cups (375 ml) water
• 2 tsp (10 ml) sunflower oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sago or spaghetti (broken into pieces)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme or rosemary
• ½ tsp (2,5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1½ cups (375 ml) frozen mixed vegetables, rinsed
• lemon juice and black pepper to taste

Pouring batter

• ¾ cup (180 ml) whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp (2,5 ml) baking powder
• 2 tsp (10 ml) dried mixed herbs
• pinch of salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) sunflower oil
• ½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) water

Process:

1. Place chicken, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, salt and water in a large pot. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat.
2. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Spoon chicken out and remove bones. Keep liquid aside and remove spices, if preferred.
3. Heat oil in the same pot and fry onions and garlic for a few minutes.
4. Add reserved liquid with sago and simmer over a low heat for 15-20 minutes or until thickened.
5. Stir in thyme, nutmeg, chicken and veggies and season with lemon juice and pepper.
6. Spoon into an oven dish and preheat the oven to 180 °C.
7. Batter: Combine the dry ingredients. Mix the eggs, oil, buttermilk and water. Stir into the flour mixture until smooth.
8. Pour batter over the filling and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked.
9. Serve with salad or veggies such as broccoli and butternut.