Healthy and Delicious Plant-Based Hand Pies Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold vegan butter, cut into small pieces
3-4 tablespoons cold water
1 cup plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, crumbled
1 cup mixed vegetables, finely chopped (such as bell peppers, carrots, peas)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon plant-based milk, for brushing

Steps and instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold vegan butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until a dough forms. You may not need all the water. The dough should be firm, not sticky. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the crumbled plant-based protein and chopped vegetables to the skillet. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the protein is browned. Stir in the dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or drinking glass.
Spoon a small amount of the vegetable and protein mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the plant-based milk.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the flour, salt, and vegan butter.
Plastic Wrap - Used to wrap the dough before chilling it in the refrigerator.
Skillet - A frying pan or skillet to cook the onion, garlic, plant-based protein, and vegetables.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet pan, lined with parchment paper, to bake the hand pies in the oven.
Floured Surface - A clean surface, lightly dusted with flour, to roll out the dough.
Biscuit Cutter or Drinking Glass - A round cutter to cut out the dough circles for the hand pies. If you don't have one, a drinking glass can be used.
Fork - Used to crimp the edges of the hand pies, sealing them shut.
Pastry Brush - A brush to apply plant-based milk on top of the hand pies before baking.

Recipe variations

Use a different plant-based protein, such as seitan or textured vegetable protein, instead of tofu or tempeh.
Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Add spices or seasonings like paprika, cumin, or nutritional yeast to the filling for extra flavor.
Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a different crust texture.
Try a different type of crust altogether, such as a puff pastry or phyllo dough.
Add a vegan cheese alternative to the filling for a creamy and cheesy hand pie.
Create sweet hand pies by using fruits like apples, berries, or peaches as the filling, and adding a touch of cinnamon or sugar.
Make mini-sized hand pies by using a smaller biscuit cutter or shaping the dough into smaller circles.
Add a touch of spice to the filling by incorporating jalapenos, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the filling.

Recipe overview

These Plant-based Hand Pies are the perfect snack or light meal for those following a vegan or plant-based diet. They feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a savory mix of veggies and protein. The versatile filling can be customized to your taste or what you have on hand. Expect a delightful pastry that's golden and crispy on the outside with a warm, hearty filling on the inside. The pies can be made ahead of time and are perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal. This recipe yields about 6-8 hand pies, but it can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Enjoy the process of making these tasty and wholesome Plant-based Hand Pies.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour for the dough? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
Can I use a different type of plant-based protein? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute tofu or tempeh with your preferred plant-based protein, such as seitan or legumes.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding to the skillet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the hand pies? Yes, these hand pies can be frozen. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Biscuit Cutter or Drinking Glass - Used to cut out circles of dough for the hand pies.
Skillet - Used to cook the onions, garlic, plant-based protein, and vegetables.
Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the flour, salt, and vegan butter.
Fork - Used to crimp the edges of the hand pies and seal the filling inside.
Baking Sheet - Used to place the hand pies in the oven for baking.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the hand pies from sticking.

Origin stories

Hand pies have a rich history spanning many cultures, each boasting its own version of this portable delight. In medieval England, they were known as "pasties" and were filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. They were particularly popular among the working class, especially miners, who loved them for their convenience. These hearty meals could easily be carried down into the mines and eaten with dirty hands - the crimped edge serving as a disposable handle. In modern times, the hand pie has been embraced by plant-based and vegan communities, who have reinvented the classic recipe using vegan-friendly ingredients. This particular recipe pays homage to that tradition, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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