What is Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie?
There’s something truly comforting about a well-made pie, and Mary Berry’s Ham and Leek Pie is a testament to this. In my journey through culinary delights, I’ve found this dish to be a heartwarming combination of savory flavors, creamy sauce, and flaky pastry.
Mary Berry, a revered figure in the world of home cooking, offers a version that is both straightforward and delicious, featuring tender pieces of ham and sautéed leeks enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all tucked under a golden puff pastry crust. It’s a recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a dish worthy of any dining table.
What Goes Best With Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie?
Mary Berry’s Ham and Leek Pie is a robust dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. I prefer to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pie.
Steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or green beans also work well, providing a fresh contrast. For a more hearty meal, roasted root vegetables or a creamy mash complement the savory flavors of the pie beautifully.
Ingredients
To make Mary Berry’s Ham and Leek Pie, you’ll need:
- 500g cooked ham, diced
- 3 large leeks, trimmed and sliced
- 50g butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 300ml milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 100ml crème fraîche or heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
How to Prepare Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Cook the Leeks: Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the leeks, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the mustard and crème fraîche, then add the diced ham. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish.
- Prepare the Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and lay it over the pie dish. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape and brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is risen and golden brown.
Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
Ingredients
- 500 g cooked ham diced
- 3 large leeks trimmed and sliced
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 300 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 100 ml crème fraîche or heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg beaten, for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Cook the Leeks: Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the leeks, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the mustard and crème fraîche, then add the diced ham. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish.
- Prepare the Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and lay it over the pie dish. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape and brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is risen and golden brown.
Notes
Microwave: Not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the pie with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the pastry.
Stovetop: Not suitable for reheating this dish.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pie can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap the pie or slices securely in foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
This pie is best served hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing. A slice of the pie, with its flaky pastry and creamy filling, goes perfectly with the side dishes mentioned above.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
- Microwave: Not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the pie with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the pastry.
- Stovetop: Not suitable for reheating this dish.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pie can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap the pie or slices securely in foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Ham And Leek Pie
Can I use fresh ham instead of cooked? You should cook the ham before adding it to the pie, as the baking time is designed to cook the pastry and heat through the filling.
Can I make this pie in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
Is there a substitute for crème fraîche? Heavy cream or sour cream can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Approximately, per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g (Saturated: 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
The nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Mary Berry’s Ham and Leek Pie combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite in my home for its delicious flavors and ease of preparation. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pie is sure to impress.
