Comforting Winter Pies to Boost Your Immunity
As temperatures plummet across Britain, few culinary comforts rival the satisfaction of a freshly baked pie. Celebrated chef Ravinder Bhogal has created three exceptional winter pie recipes that not only warm the soul but also pack a powerful nutritional punch. Contrary to social media perfectionism, Bhogal emphasises that a pie's true value lies not in flawless appearance but in quality ingredients and generous seasoning.
The Flu-Fighting Filo Chicken Pie
Taking centre stage is Bhogal's remarkable 'flu-fighting' filo chicken pie, featuring an impressive array of immunity-boosting components. This creation incorporates anti-inflammatory ginger, turmeric, nuts, warming spices and cranberries - known sources of antioxidants and vitamin C. The recipe serves six people and requires 15 minutes preparation with two hours cooking time, plus cooling.
The method begins by melting ghee and slowly caramelising onions before adding crushed garlic, grated ginger and fresh turmeric. Ground coriander, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg create the aromatic base. Eight bone-in chicken thighs are simmered in chicken stock for 30 minutes before being shredded and combined with walnuts, dried cranberries, lemon zest, beaten eggs and fresh herbs.
The assembly involves buttering six filo pastry sheets with turmeric-infused butter and layering them in a 23cm springform tin. After spooning in the cooled filling, the pie bakes at 200C (180C fan) for 30 minutes until golden and crisp, requiring a crucial 15-minute rest before serving.
Coconut and Curry Leaf Fish Pies
For seafood enthusiasts, Bhogal reimagines the classic fish pie with South Indian influences that promise to transport diners to warmer climates. This innovative version features cod, haddock or white fish fillets combined with prawns in a coconut cream sauce infused with curry leaves, tamarind and aromatic spices.
The distinctive topping consists of mashed potatoes enriched with turmeric-infused milk and cream, while the filling incorporates steamed spinach, hard-boiled eggs and a fragrant blend of mustard seeds, star anise and fresh chillies. Baking for 30 minutes creates a bubbling, golden crust that makes this dish particularly inviting during gloomy winter days.
Supergreens and Cheese Pot Pie
Vegetarians receive equal attention with Bhogal's iron-rich supergreens and cheese pot pie, blanketed in crisp puff pastry. This versatile recipe encourages using any available greens including chard or turnip tops, combined with kale, spinach and broccoli for maximum nutritional benefit.
The filling mixture incorporates pine nuts, currants, feta, ricotta, soured cream and fresh herbs, all seasoned with nutmeg, lemon zest and black pepper. After assembling in a deep pie dish, the pastry-topped creation freezes for 15 minutes before baking at 180C (160C fan) for 30 minutes until perfectly puffed and golden.
Bhogal's winter pie collection demonstrates how comfort food can simultaneously nurture and fortify during the challenging colder months, offering delicious solutions for family meals that prioritise both flavour and wellbeing.
