Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Botswana with our delectable Botswana Chicken Pie recipe. Bursting with rich flavors and a delightful blend of spices, this traditional dish is a celebration of the country's vibrant culinary heritage. Known for its warm hospitality and diverse gastronomic influences, Botswana offers a unique twist on the classic chicken pie that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a savory masterpiece, combining tender chunks of chicken, aromatic spices, and a flaky, golden crust that promises to transport you to the heart of Botswana's culinary landscape. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply indulge in a comforting homemade meal, this Botswana Chicken Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let's dive into the world of Botswana's culinary wonders and bring the flavors of this enchanting African nation to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup carrots, finely diced
• 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pastry:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions:

1-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2-For the Filling: a. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. b. Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. c. Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to combine. d. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat the vegetables. e. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. f. Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas, stirring to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the filling is well combined and heated through. g. Remove the skillet from heat and set the filling aside.

3-For the Pastry: a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. b. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. c. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. d. Divide the pastry dough into two portions (one for the bottom crust and one for the top).

4-Assembling the Chicken Pie: a. Roll out one portion of the pastry dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the bottom of the dish. b. Spoon the chicken and vegetable filling onto the pastry-lined dish. c. Roll out the second portion of the pastry dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape. d. Optional: Beat an egg and brush it over the top crust for a golden finish.

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

6-Allow the Botswana Chicken Pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.

7-Enjoy the savory goodness of Botswana with this flavorful Chicken Pie!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities used. Here's a general breakdown for the ingredients in your Botswana Chicken Pie recipe:

For the Filling:

Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• High-quality protein source, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and zinc.

Carrots (1 cup, finely diced):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, promoting eye health.
• Provides fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Potatoes (1 cup, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g

benefits:

• Good source of potassium, necessary for maintaining proper heart and muscle function.
• Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Frozen Peas (1 cup):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants.
• Contains fiber, supporting digestive health.

Onion (1, finely chopped):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• Provides flavor and aroma to the dish.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Known for potential health benefits, including immune system support.
• Adds a distinctive flavor to the filling.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, supporting nutrient absorption and brain function.
• Adds moisture to the filling.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits:

• May have antioxidant properties.
• Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the filling.

Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Imparts a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the filling.

Salt and Pepper to taste:

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates

benefits: Enhances overall flavor.

All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g

benefits:

• Provides structure and thickness to the filling.
• Acts as a thickening agent.

Chicken Broth (1 cup):

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

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Contains essential nutrients and electrolytes.

Milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Adds creaminess to the filling.
• Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates

benefits:

• Adds freshness and color.
• Contains vitamins A and C.

For the Pastry:

All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): -

• Calories: 880
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 184g

benefits: Provides structure and texture to the pastry.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, cold and cubed):

• Calories: 1600
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 176g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Adds richness and flakiness to the pastry.
• Contains saturated fats in moderation.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates

benefits:Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the pastry.

Cold Water (1/2 cup):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates

benefits: Binds the ingredients together to form the pastry dough.

These values are estimated based on standard nutritional information and should be used as a guide. Adjustments may be needed depending on specific brands and quantities used.