If you’ve been searching for a comforting snack or a hearty appetizer that bursts with rich flavors and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, look no further than the Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies You’ll Love Recipe. These hand-pies combine the smoky punch of chorizo, the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin, and the deep, mellow notes of caramelised onions, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They are perfect for sharing at a casual gathering or enjoying as a cozy treat on any day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these hand-pies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these hand-pies lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and vibrant color that make the dish truly irresistible.
- Plain flour: The foundation for a tender yet flaky crust; you can use gluten-free flour if preferred.
- Chilled butter: Key to achieving that wonderfully flaky pastry, cut into small pieces to mix easily.
- Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without it becoming sticky or tough.
- Chorizo: Skin removed for easier mixing, it adds a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Roasted pumpkin: Cubed and roasted until tender, adding a creamy texture and mellow sweetness.
- Caramelised onions: Slowly cooked to develop a deep, rich sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- Shredded sage leaves: Fresh herbs that provide a fragrant, earthy note, with thyme or rosemary as excellent alternatives.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the filling.
How to Make Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies You’ll Love Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pumpkin
Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit), which ensures a perfect bake later. While the oven reaches temperature, cut your pumpkin into bite-sized cubes. Drizzle the cubes with a touch of oil and season them with salt to highlight their natural sweetness. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until they become tender and slightly caramelised at the edges, adding depth to the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
Next, remove the skin from your chorizo to prevent chewy bits, then cook it in a medium skillet over medium heat. Let it brown evenly for 8 to 10 minutes, which releases its smoky oils and enriches the flavor base of your filling. The sizzling sound is a good sign your kitchen is about to smell divine.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the roasted pumpkin, cooked chorizo, and luscious caramelised onions. Add the shredded sage leaves for that herby kick, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mixing carefully is key here—you want to keep the chunks intact to enjoy different textures with every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Pastry
Roll out your chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3–4 mm thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles, each large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling. This step sets the stage for those perfect, handheld pies.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Place the filling on one half of each pastry circle, then fold the other half over to form a semicircle. Use your fingers or a fork to press and seal the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. Arrange your hand-pies on a baking tray, brush the tops with a beaten egg for a glorious golden finish, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy and beautifully golden.
How to Serve Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies You’ll Love Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these hand-pies, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or extra sage on top after baking. A light brush of chili-infused oil or a dollop of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side complements the richness and adds layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
These hand-pies pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted root vegetables or a warm bowl of spiced tomato soup are excellent companions for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve your hand-pies on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of dipping sauces like smoky chipotle mayo or a zesty aioli. For a fun twist, try mini versions of these pies for cocktail parties, served with toothpicks for easy nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hand-pies keep very well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious and just need a quick reheat to bring back their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze unbaked hand-pies on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the hand-pies on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps retain their flaky crust and warm filling perfectly without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo gives this recipe its signature smoky flavor, spicy Italian sausage or even a mild pork sausage can work well if you prefer a different taste or have dietary preferences.
Is it possible to make these hand-pies vegetarian?
Yes, a vegetarian version can be made by replacing chorizo with firm tofu marinated in smoked paprika or using sautéed mushrooms to maintain the savory depth.
What’s the best way to caramelise onions quickly?
Although slow cooking yields the best flavor, you can speed up caramelising by cooking onions over medium-high heat with a pinch of sugar, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Can I prepare the pastry dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Making the pastry in advance and chilling it in the fridge for up to 24 hours helps the butter firm up, leading to a flakier crust when baked.
How do I prevent the hand-pies from leaking filling?
Be sure not to overfill the pastry circles and seal the edges firmly using a fork or your fingers. Chilling the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape better.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies You’ll Love Recipe. Every bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that bring warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply indulging yourself, these hand-pies are a guaranteed winner that will keep you coming back for more. Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly special dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Print
Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies You’ll Love Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies combine savory and sweet flavors wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry. Perfect as a hearty snack or a light meal, these hand-pies feature spiced chorizo, tender roasted pumpkin, and sweet caramelised onions, enhanced with aromatic sage for a deliciously rustic treat.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 2.5 cups plain flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup chilled butter (cut into small pieces)
- 5–6 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 400 g chorizo (skin removed)
- 1 cup roasted pumpkin (cubed and roasted until tender)
- 1 cup caramelised onions
- 0.25 cup shredded sage leaves (thyme or rosemary can also be used)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pies.
- Roast Pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into cubes, drizzle them with oil, season with salt, and roast for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised.
- Cook Chorizo: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin, cooked chorizo, caramelised onions, and shredded sage. Gently fold the ingredients together to mix evenly without mashing.
- Roll Out Pastry: Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Cut out circles large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling.
- Assemble Hand-Pies: Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each pastry circle. Fold over the other half and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together to prevent filling leakage.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the hand-pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the hand-pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute other herbs such as thyme or rosemary for sage if preferred.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure the butter and water are cold when making the pastry to create a flaky texture.
- Let the chorizo cool slightly before mixing with other filling ingredients to keep the caramelised onions intact.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny, appealing crust, or for a vegetarian option skip the egg wash.
