Make Cozy Sunday Magic: Ham and Leek Pie Recipe

Crafting a delectable ham and leek pie brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.

Aromatic herbs mingle with tender chunks of savory meat.

Crisp pastry promises a golden, flaky embrace around soft, creamy vegetables.

Leeks whisper delicate, sweet notes against rich protein layers.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that create extraordinary meals.

Salt and pepper dance through each carefully balanced bite.

Warm from the oven, this pie invites you to slice into its delightful layers and savor every morsel.

Answers to Ham And Leek Pie Questions

• Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can substitute ham with bacon, gammon, or leftover roasted ham depending on your preference and availability.

• Is creme fraiche essential for the recipe?

If you don’t have creme fraiche, you can replace it with sour cream or heavy cream for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• What type of mustard works best?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its sharp and tangy flavor, but you can also use whole grain mustard for added texture and complexity.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it convenient for meal planning.

Why Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie Is a Classic Combo

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: This ham and leek pie transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master Minimal Prep: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals, this pie adapts beautifully to different occasions and satisfies hearty appetites.
• Embrace Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling in advance, assemble quickly, and chill before baking, making meal planning a breeze for busy households seeking delicious solutions.

What Goes in Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie

• Ham: A flavorful protein that adds richness and savory depth to the pie filling.
• Leeks: A mild onion-like vegetable that provides a subtle, sweet flavor and soft texture.
• Pastry: A buttery, flaky crust that creates a golden exterior for the pie.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational depth of flavor to the pie filling.
• Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp note that complements the ham.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the filling and create a smooth consistency.
• Stock: Provides liquid and additional flavor to the pie filling.
• Creme Fraiche: Adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the mixture.
• Egg Yolk: Used for brushing the pastry to create a golden, glossy finish.

Baking Instructions for Ham And Leek Pie

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Leeks
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 2: Create Thickening Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring continuously for about 12 minutes to develop a rich, golden flavor.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce that gradually thickens.

Step 4: Blend Savory Filling

• Diced ham
• Creme fraiche
• Dijon mustard

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare Pastry Base

Roll out pastry and create a border around the pie dish rim by laying a strip of pastry.

Step 6: Assemble Pie

Pour the cooled filling into the pastry-lined dish. Top with another layer of pastry, crimping the edges to seal.

Step 7: Create Steam Vent

Cut a small hole in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.

Step 8: Apply Golden Finish

Brush the pastry surface with egg yolk for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 9: Chill and Prepare

Refrigerate the pie for 20 minutes to help set the pastry (optional but recommended).

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 35-45 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow the pie to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to help the filling set.

Key Tips for Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie

• Soften Leeks Perfectly: Sauté leeks on medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure a silky, sweet texture without bitterness.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place pie dish on a preheated baking sheet to help crisp the pastry base and avoid a damp crust.
• Create Flaky Pastry: Keep pastry cold and handle minimally to maintain its delicate, layered structure and achieve a golden, crisp finish.
• Adjust Seasoning Smartly: Taste filling before adding ham, as it's naturally salty, and adjust mustard and pepper accordingly.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry with egg yolk mixed with a splash of milk for a rich, glossy golden-brown surface that looks professionally baked.

Ham And Leek Pie with a Twist

• Vegetarian Veggie Pie: Replace ham with roasted mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
• Chicken Leek Pie: Swap ham with diced cooked chicken breast for a classic poultry alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and pastry to make the pie suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional pastry with cauliflower crust or use thinly sliced zucchini as a base for a lighter meal.

What Complements Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie

• Savor Hearty Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the ham and leek pie. Its buttery notes will enhance the pie's smooth texture and balance the savory ham.
• Create Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the pie's richness. Incorporate peppery arugula and thinly sliced radishes for a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire meal.
• Elevate Side Dish Selection: Roast seasonal root vegetables like carrots and parsnips with a touch of honey and thyme. Their caramelized sweetness and earthy undertones will perfectly match the pie's robust filling and provide a delightful textural complement.

Storage Guide for Ham And Leek Pie

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices or whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pie from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Cut pie into individual portions. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through. Check temperature and add 30-second intervals if needed.

Ham And Leek Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 70-80 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and leek pie delivers comfort straight from British kitchens, blending rich flavors and flaky pastry. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) cooked ham, diced
• 2 large leeks, trimmed, sliced and rinsed
• 375 grams (13 ounces) puff pastry, thawed if frozen

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 300 milliliters (10 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) full-fat creme fraiche
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain flour, plus extra for rolling
• 1 large egg yolk, beaten

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Instructions

1. Sauté leeks, onions, and garlic in oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously and cooking for 10-12 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a golden base.
3. Gradually pour in stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, thickening sauce.
4. Incorporate diced ham, rich creme fraiche, and tangy mustard into the sauce, blending flavors thoroughly and seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Allow filling to cool slightly, which helps prevent soggy pastry and makes handling easier.
6. Roll out pastry, cutting a strip to line the pie dish rim for a secure seal.
7. Pour cooled filling into prepared dish, then cover with pastry lid, carefully crimping edges to create a decorative and tight seal.
8. Make a small steam vent in the center of the pastry lid using a sharp knife.
9. Brush pastry surface with egg yolk for a golden, glossy finish.
10. Refrigerate pie for 15-20 minutes to help pastry firm up and maintain shape.
11. Bake in preheated oven at 220°C for 35-40 minutes until pastry is deeply golden and filling bubbles.
12. Rest pie for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow filling to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Select leeks with firm, white and light green parts for the best flavor and texture.
• Use leftover holiday ham or opt for store-bought deli ham to make preparation quicker.
• Consider swapping creme fraiche with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the pie.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 35-45 mins (baking)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 499 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg