RECIPES

Bannock Chicken Pie

Bannock is thought to have two separate origins. This particular recipe uses the tradition that Bannock is a type of quick bread developed by First Nations during the time of colonization. This bannock crust uses sweet potato to add flavour and sweetness that nicely compliments the savoury filling and fragrant chopped hazelnuts. This pie can be assembled family style or in individual dishes.

Prep Time

20M

Cook Time

1H

Serves

6

Ingredients

For filling:
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cup (375 mL) chopped cooked chicken breast
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 10 oz (285 g) crimini mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) dried thyme
  • pinch dried red chili flakes
  • 1 cup (250 mL) white wine
  • 2 cups (500 mL) reduced-sodium chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) half and half
  • 1 cup (250 mL) frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely-chopped hazelnuts
  • salt and pepper
For Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) cold unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 tsp (11.5 mL) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) salt
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) ice water

Instructions

  1. 1 Prepare the bannock crust. Scrub the sweet potato. Pierce the sweet potato all over with a fork. Microwave on high for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until tender. Remove from the microwave to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl blend flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until reduced to pea-sized pieces. Scoop sweet potato flesh into a medium bowl and mash until smooth, adding 1-2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of water will help. Add the sweet potato mash and ¼ cup (60 mL) water to the flour. Mix to combine, if dough is too dry, add 1–3 tablespoons (15–45 mL) of water.
  2. 2 Lightly flour a work surface. Knead dough 10–12 times until it comes together in a uniform ball. Flatten into a disk and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. 3 Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, begin assembling the filling. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the onions, carrot and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, rosemary, thyme and chili flakes, cook until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
  4. 4 Deglaze the skillet with ¼ cup (60 mL) of wine. Add remaining wine, cooked chicken, stock, and half and half. Season filling with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer until slightly thickened, and chicken is heated through. Stir in peas and chopped hazelnuts. Transfer filling mixture into an 8" x 8" (2 L) baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. 5 Remove bannock dough from the refrigerator and roll out into an 9" x 9" (23 cm) square. Arrange on top of chicken filling. Bake for 45-55 minutes until crust is golden and no longer raw underneath.
  6. 6 Let the bannock pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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