Mary Berry’s Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie: Comfort Food at Its Best

Mary Berry’s Chicken, Leek, and Mushroom Pie symbolises comfort food in the UK. It has creamy tastes and a flaky, golden crust. It’s great for family meals and celebrations. Serving six, this pie brings traditional British tastes to the table. It highlights Mary Berry’s skill in creating fulfilling meals.

This pie mixes tender chicken, leeks, and mushrooms in a tasty pastry. It’s great when hot or as leftovers. This pie keeps well for three days in the fridge or can be frozen for three months. It’s a smart pick for anyone who loves to cook.

Introduction to Mary Berry’s Comfort Food Classic

Mary Berry is a big name in British cooking. She’s known for her comfort food. Her chicken, leek, and mushroom pie is a standout. It’s seen as the perfect example of her skill in making classic British dishes loved at family meals. This pie is full of warmth and reminds us of the good old days, ideal for gatherings and Sunday lunches.

Mary Berry’s recipe blends simplicity with amazing taste. It uses top-notch ingredients that everyone enjoys. Each bite brings back memories of cosy meals shared with loved ones. Berry’s careful details turn simple ingredients into a comforting feast. It’s a favourite in many homes across the UK.

This famous dish does more than fill you up. It captures the heart of British cooking. It welcomes everyone to enjoy the comfort and warmth it brings.

Ingredients for a Delicious Pie

To make Mary Berry’s chicken, leek, and mushroom pie, choose fresh and top-quality ingredients. The list below forms the base of this comforting pie. It guarantees a creamy feel and deep taste:

Ingredient	Weight/Volume	Purpose
Butter	75g (2½oz)	Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables.
Leeks	3 large, sliced	Adds sweetness and depth of flavour.
Plain flour	75g (2½oz)	Used for thickening the filling.
Chicken stock	450ml (15fl oz)	Enhances the overall flavour profile.
Portobello mushrooms	250g (9oz), sliced	Contributes earthiness to the pie.
Dijon mustard	1 tbsp	Adds a tangy kick to the filling.
Fresh thyme	1 tbsp, chopped	Imparts aromatic flavours.
Full-fat crème fraîche	3 tbsp	Adds creaminess to the filling.
Cooked chicken	750g (1lb 10oz), sliced	The main protein source in the pie.
Salt and pepper	To taste	Essential for seasoning the dish.
Puff pastry	500g packet, all-butter	Forms the pie crust, adding flaky texture.
Egg (beaten with milk)	1	For brushing the pastry, giving it a golden finish.

Every ingredient is key in making this delicious pie. Adding herbs and a bit of white wine can enhance the flavour. This recipe is versatile, allowing cooks to add their personal touch. It lets everyone keep the classic’s spirit while adding something new.

mary berry chicken leek and mushroom pie recipe

Making the Mary Berry chicken leek and mushroom pie is a delightful journey. It mixes delicious flavours with cosy tradition. Follow this guide and use top cooking tips. Your pie will be a hit with everyone.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens or Gas Mark 7).
2. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sauté a large chopped onion and one garlic clove until they’re soft.
3. Add 250g of sliced chestnut mushrooms. Cook until they’re moist.
4. Add some plain flour, stirring to create a roux. Slowly pour in 150ml of marsala and mix well.
5. Add 200g of full-fat crème fraîche with some salt and pepper. Let it simmer until thick.
6. Put in 4 chicken breasts, cut into pieces, and cook them well.
7. After the filling cools a bit, put it into a round ovenproof pie dish.
8. Cover with puff pastry, seal the edges, and make slashes for steam to escape.
9. Bake the pie on a baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s golden.
10. Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Pie

• Choose fresh leeks and mushrooms for better flavours in your pie.
• Cool the filling before adding the pastry to keep the base crisp.
• Brush an egg wash over the pastry for a shiny finish.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet in the oven for even cooking.

This lovely dish serves 6 and has around 410 calories per serving. It offers a good mix of protein, fats, and carbs. It’s a great choice for family meals.

Nutritional Information	Per Serving
Calories	410
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	14g
Protein	16g
Sodium	380mg
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Carbohydrates	36g
Sugar	3g

The pie takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to make. Enjoy making this wonderful meal. It celebrates Mary Berry’s cooking while being tasty.

The History of Chicken and Leek Pie in British Cuisine

The history of chicken leek pie is deep-rooted in Britain’s culinary past. It started in medieval times. This dish shows the tradition of using leftovers creatively by wrapping them in pastry. It’s a mix of creativity and practicality, bringing delicious meals from available ingredients.

Leeks, loved for their unique taste and texture, have been grown in Britain for ages. Paired with chicken, they’re central to many cherished British recipes. Over time, the recipe for chicken and leek pie has grown. It now includes seasonal and regional flavours.

This pie’s deep connection with British food comes from its ingredients and how it is made. Across generations, families have kept their pie-making traditions alive. This has made the pie a much-loved dish, often enjoyed at Sunday dinners and family occasions.

Enjoying a piece lets you tap into its rich history. It’s more than food; it’s a bridge between past and present. It highlights the comfort and simplicity at the heart of British cuisine.

Why Mary Berry’s Recipe Stands Out

Mary Berry’s recipe shines for its balance of elegance and simplicity in comfort food. It stands out because of unique features like apple juice. This ingredient adds a sweet taste, different from usual recipes. It makes the dish’s flavour more appealing to anyone who tries it.

The choice of creamy full-fat crème fraîche adds richness without making the pie heavy. These recipe advantages make it easy for anyone to bake. Mary Berry’s clear steps help both new and skilled bakers create a perfect pie.

She pays close attention to cooking times and temperatures. For example, starting with the oven preheated to 160C/140C Fan, then raising it to 200C/180C Fan. This shows how precision matters in baking.

This recipe, taking less than two hours, serves six. It is perfect for family meals. The process, including cooking chicken legs and chilling the filling, shows Mary Berry’s thoughtful approach.

Over 11,625 shares show how popular this pie is. For more tasty recipes from Mary Berry, check her large collection. Each recipe proves her kitchen expertise.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

This chicken, leek, and mushroom pie is best enjoyed warm. It has rich flavours and comforting textures. Serving it with seasonal vegetables is delightful.

Try it with sautéed greens, vibrant carrots, or tender peas. A crisp green salad can also make the plate colourful and balanced.

For a richer side, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect. They add a decadent touch. A bit of light gravy or some crème fraîche can also enhance this dish.

Enjoy this meal with a glass of Chardonnay. It brings out the pie’s creamy notes. These suggestions make every bite more enjoyable.

The recipe makes enough filling for two medium pies. It’s great for saving time on future meals. You can store leftovers in the fridge for three days or freeze them for two months.

When you reheat, just 15-20 minutes in the oven at 180°C is enough. This ensures the pie tastes as good as when first made.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s chicken, leek, and mushroom pie is a top pick for anyone loving British comfort food. It can feed four to six people. It’s perfect for family meals or a warm dinner with friends. The rich taste and cozy feel bring back fond memories of home-cooked food. It makes any event feel more special.

This pie takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cooks in about an hour. It’s a real treat without much fuss. If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze it and then just reheat. Add some crème fraîche and mushrooms when serving. Mary Berry shows how to make quality meals that everyone enjoys.

The pie is a great example of Mary Berry’s kitchen magic. It shows how food brings us together. For tips on making gatherings stress-free, see her work with Sara Davies in this episode. This dish goes beyond just tasting good. It’s about making memories and celebrating with those we love. It has become a favourite in many households.

FAQ

What type of pastry is used in Mary Berry’s chicken, leek, and mushroom pie?

Mary Berry’s recipe uses a 500g packet of all-butter puff pastry. It makes the crust flaky and golden. This pairs well with the creamy filling inside.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the chicken, leek, and mushroom pie?

Definitely, you can mix in different veggies like spinach or carrots. But, it’s good to use fresh leeks and mushrooms for top flavour.

How long does it take to prepare Mary Berry’s chicken, leek, and mushroom pie?

You will spend around 1 hour in total. Preparation takes 25-30 minutes and baking needs 35 minutes.

Is this chicken, leek, and mushroom pie suitable for freezing?

Absolutely, freeze it before baking. Make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Bake it from frozen later, just add some more time.

What are the best side dishes to serve with the chicken, leek, and mushroom pie?

Seasonal vegetables like sautéed greens, carrots, or peas go great with it. You might also like buttery mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a fuller meal.

What kind of wine pairs well with Mary Berry’s chicken, leek, and mushroom pie?

A structured white wine, like Chardonnay, matches the creamy taste of the pie nicely.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

For sure, just substitute the chicken with different mushrooms or veggies. A mix of seasonal greens can make a tasty vegetarian pie.