Purslane Delights: An Assortment of Healthy and Delicious Purse Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons of ice water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons of milk
  • 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the ice water to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more water a tablespoon at a time.
  4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, shredded cheese, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circular shape. Place the dough circle onto a baking sheet.
  8. Spoon the filling onto the center of the dough circle, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge.
  9. Roll out the second dough disk and place it on top of the filling. Crimp the edges of the dough together to seal the purse.
  10. Combine the beaten egg and milk in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the purse.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the purse is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different meat option.
  • Add diced onions, garlic, or herbs to the filling for added flavor.
  • Include mushrooms or other vegetables of choice in the filling.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
  • Try a gluten-free crust by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or curry powder to the filling for a kick of heat.
  • Make mini purses by using a smaller cutter or dividing the dough into smaller portions.
  • Brush the top of the purse with melted butter or olive oil instead of the egg wash.

Recipe overview

Bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table with this delicious and hearty Purse recipe. This dish features delicate pastry filled with succulent chicken, colorful mixed vegetables, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a purse-shaped pastry that's both fun and impressive. The filling is comforting and flavorful, enveloped by a flaky and buttery crust. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, as you can switch up the filling ingredients depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. With our detailed instructions, even beginner cooks can master this recipe and impress their friends and family. The best part? All it takes is a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create an irresistibly tasty masterpiece with this recipe. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but it may affect the texture of the pastry.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Absolutely! You can use cooked beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling with mushrooms or tofu. Just make sure the meat is cooked and seasoned before adding it to the filling mixture.
  4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender before adding them to the filling.
  5. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After shaping the dough into disks, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before using. You may need to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
  6. Can I freeze the purse before baking? Yes, you can freeze the assembled purse before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before brushing with egg wash and baking as directed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Helps in rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Pastry cutter - Useful for cutting the chilled butter into the flour mixture.
  • Baking sheet - Used to place the assembled purse for baking in the oven.
  • Pastry brush - Used to brush the egg wash over the top of the purse before baking.
  • Plastic wrap - Used for wrapping and chilling the dough disks.
  • Large bowl - Used for mixing and combining the filling ingredients.
  • Spoon - Used for spooning the filling onto the dough circle.

Origin stories

Purses, or more commonly known as hand pies, have a rich history dating back to the 12th century, originating from the shores of Cornwall, England. They were originally designed as a portable lunch for the tin miners, who found them easy to carry down the mines. The thick pastry crust served not only as a container but also as a handle, which was discarded after eating due to the tin dust on the miners’ hands. Today, these pastries have been adapted worldwide with a variety of fillings, transcending from a simple miner's meal to a beloved food item globally. A delicious symbol of English culinary heritage, these pastries, whether you call them purses or pies, continue to be a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for those on the go or in need of a quick, satisfying bite.

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.