A Savory Pork and Pepper Pie is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender chunks of pork, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory gravy—all wrapped in a flaky, golden pie crust. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Here’s a recipe to make this savory pie at home.
Savory Pork and Pepper Pie
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the gravy)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and texture)
For the Pie:
- 2 sheets of store-bought or homemade pie crust (enough for top and bottom)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed pork and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides until it’s cooked through and golden (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for another minute to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the white wine, if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
- Return the pork to the pan, add the chicken or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes, until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the mixture to thicken it up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. Stir in the peas if using and remove from heat. Let the filling cool for a bit while you prepare the pie crust.
- Prepare the pie crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one of your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Spoon the cooled pork and pepper mixture into the pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Assemble the pie:
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
- Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Garnish the pie with fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) if desired and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Tips:
- Pork Cut: Pork shoulder is ideal because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow, but pork tenderloin can also work if you prefer leaner meat.
- Pie Crust: You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience, but homemade pie crust will add an extra layer of flakiness and flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to the filling for more variety.
- Leftovers: Leftover pork and pepper filling can be used as a filling for a savory pie, or even served over mashed potatoes or rice for a quick meal.
This Savory Pork and Pepper Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cooler months or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Enjoy!
