Savory Chanterelle Pie

This savory pie brings together a delightful blend of flavors and textures, ideal for a comforting meal. The main components include fresh chanterelle mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a buttery pastry crust that provides a satisfying crunch. A creamy mustard sauce complements the earthiness of the mushrooms, adding a hint of tanginess to the richness. The filling is enriched with a mix of sautéed onions, leeks, smoked pork, and herbs, each cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, showcasing the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients. With its aromatic spices and rustic presentation, this pie is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy a slice of this pie as it takes you on a culinary journey filled with comforting flavors and exquisite aromas.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 leek
• 1 onion
• A bunch of thyme
• A few sprigs of rosemary
• 400g chanterelle mushrooms
• 150g smoked bacon
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 tsp whole-grain mustard
• A small knob of butter

For the Pastry

• 3 cups flour
• 200g cold butter
• A pinch of sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce

• 100 ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• A pinch of nutmeg
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 50g well-melting cheese

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes (Prep: 45 minutes, Cook: 75 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: Begin by cleaning the chanterelles thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the leek and onion finely. These will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
3. Sauté the Base: In a pan over medium heat, melt a small knob of butter. Once sizzling, add the chopped leeks and onions, and sauté until they become transparent.
4. Add the Wine and Mustard: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer with the leeks and onions. Stir in the grain mustard, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Incorporate the Mushrooms: Add the chanterelles, ensuring each piece is coated in the aromatic base. Cook until they are soft.
6. Mix in the Pork: Dice the smoked bacon and add it to the pan with the mushrooms. Cook the mixture for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
7. Prepare the Pastry: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and paprika in a large bowl. Cut cold butter into small pieces and mix it in until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Form the Dough: Knead briefly until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Roll it out on a floured surface to a 4-5mm thickness.
9. Line the Pan: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the rolled pastry into a pie pan, pressing it into the edges.
10. Make the Sauce: Combine heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and cheese in a separate bowl. Mix well to create a smooth sauce.
11. Assemble the Pie: Add the mushroom-pork mixture over the pastry in the pan, smoothing it evenly.
12. Glaze with Sauce: Pour the prepared cream sauce over the filling, ensuring even coverage.
13. Bake the Pie: Transfer the pie to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
14. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving, letting the flavors settle. Slice and enjoy hot or warm.
15. Tip for Slicing: A serrated knife works well for cutting the pie cleanly without disturbing the crust and filling layers.
16. Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
17. Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness.
18. Freezing Option: The pie can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
19. Herb Variation: Try adding a handful of parsley for a fresh, vibrant twist.
20. Extra Flavor: For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

Tips

• Butter: Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
• Mushroom Substitute: If chanterelles are unavailable, substitute with cremini mushrooms.
• Balanced Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper and mustard based on your spice preference.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace smoked bacon with smoked tofu or omit entirely for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pastry.
• Low Dairy: Substitute sour cream with a non-dairy alternative and cheese with a vegan variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chives or dill for a pop of color and flavor.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or light beer.

Best Places

• Le Pain Quotidien - A charming spot known for its homely pies and artisanal bread. Location: 100 Grand St, New York, USA.
• Pastis - Casual bistro offering classic appetizers and warm pastries. Location: 9 9th Ave, New York, USA.
• Buvette - Cozy cafe highlighting French flavors with a great selection of baked goods. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
• The Pie Room - Celebrated for their creative pies and savory delights. Location: 35 Baker St, London, UK.
• Pieminister - Known for a wide variety of savory pies. Location: 24 Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK.
• Tartine Bakery - Acclaimed for its rustic breads and pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Au Bon Pain - Offers a hearty selection of classic and innovative pastries. Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, USA.
• Les Deux Magots - Historic cafe with delicious pastries and a pleasant ambiance. Location: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris, France.
• Konditorei Lindtner - Renowned bakery offering a selection of traditional pastries. Location: Eppendorfer Landstr. 88, Hamburg, Germany.
• Bakverket - Offers a delightful selection of Swedish pastries and savory pies. Location: Sankt Eriksplan 2, Stockholm, Sweden.