Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken Pie

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 200ml (7 fl oz) coconut milk 200ml (7 fl oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of store-bought puff pastry sheets 1 package of store-bought puff pastry sheets

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chicken, Jamaican curry powder, allspice, thyme, minced scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced red bell pepper and carrot, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
8. 8.
   Spoon the chicken curry filling onto one half of each pastry shape, leaving a border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
10. 10.
    Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — To ensure tender and juicy chicken, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Adjust the amount of minced pepper according to your spice tolerance. Be cautious as scotch bonnet peppers are very hot. Consider wearing gloves while handling them to avoid skin irritation.
• Puff pastry — If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken curry filling before encasing it in the pastry.
• If you prefer a spicier pie, you can leave the seeds in the scotch bonnet pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Serve the Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken Pie with a side of tangy mango chutney for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
• To make mini pies, use a smaller cutter to create individual portions.

Serving advice

Serve the Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken Pie hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Accompany the pie with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

To present the Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken Pie beautifully, place it on a serving platter and sprinkle some additional curry powder on top for an extra touch of vibrancy. Cut the pie into wedges or squares, depending on the shape you used, and arrange them neatly on the platter. Serve with confidence and watch your guests' eyes light up with anticipation.