Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Colombia with our savory Colombian Chicken Pie, known locally as "Pastel de Pollo." This beloved dish features tender chunks of chicken cooked to perfection, enveloped in a luscious mixture of creamy sauce infused with traditional Colombian spices. Encased in a flaky, golden pastry crust, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Bogotá or Cartagena. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal with family or shared at festive gatherings, our Colombian Chicken Pie promises to delight your senses and leave you craving for more of this delightful South American comfort food.

Here's a traditional recipe for Colombian Pastel de Pollo (Chicken Pie) with a pastry crust:

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Crust:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Crust:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2- Add the cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

1- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced tomato to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3- Stir in the diced chicken, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

3- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased pie dish, pressing it gently to fit the bottom and sides.

4- Pour the chicken filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, spreading it evenly.

5- Roll out another piece of dough to cover the top of the pie. Place it over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.

6- Use a knife to make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

7- Optional: Beat an egg and brush it over the top crust for a golden finish.

8- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

1- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

2- Serve slices of Colombian Pastel de Pollo warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional dish!

Notes:

• You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• This dish is often served as a main course accompanied by a salad or rice.

Nutritional Values:

here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Colombian Pastel de Pollo (Chicken Pie):

For the Pastry Crust:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 900
• Carbohydrates: 186g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 2g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein.

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter:

• Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 92g

benefits:Adds richness and flavor to the pastry crust.

1/4 cup (60ml) cold water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Essential for hydrating the dough and aiding in gluten formation.

For the Chicken Filling:

2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, diced:

• Calories: 440
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 90g
• Fat: 4g

benefits:Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

1 onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supports heart health, and boosts immunity.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Possesses antimicrobial properties, supports heart health, and may help lower cholesterol levels.

1 bell pepper, diced:

• Calories: 24
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support immune function and digestion.

1 tomato, diced:

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lycopene, which supports eye health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth:

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Provides flavor and moisture to the filling and can be a source of electrolytes like potassium.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

• Calories: 239
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 27g

1 teaspoon ground cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g

1/2 teaspoon paprika:

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Salt and pepper to taste (negligible calories)

Nutritional Values for Entire Pie (Serving size: 1 slice, assuming 8 slices):

• Calories: Approximately 500-600
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
• Protein: Approximately 20-30g
• Fat: Approximately 30-40g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods. Adjustments can be made based on dietary preferences and nutritional needs.