Fidget Pie with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 leeks, sliced 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. 3.
   In the same pan, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the carrots and leeks to the pan and cook until they begin to soften.
5. 5.
   Stir in the apples, potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a pie dish with it.
7. 7.
   Spoon the filling into the pie dish, spreading it evenly.
8. 8.
   Cover the pie with another layer of puff pastry, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a good quality bacon with a balance of fat and meat for the best flavor.
• Puff pastry — If you prefer a lighter crust, you can use filo pastry instead of puff pastry for a healthier alternative.
• Apples — Opt for tart apples such as Granny Smith or Bramley for a nice contrast to the savory filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with mushrooms or tofu for a similar texture and umami flavor.
• Serve the Fidget Pie with a dollop of tangy chutney or a side of pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make sure to let the pie cool slightly before cutting into it to allow the filling to set.
• Leftover Fidget Pie can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the pie to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Fidget Pie hot, straight from the oven, accompanied by a side of buttery mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To present the Fidget Pie beautifully, cut it into neat slices and arrange them on individual plates. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an elegant touch.