Savory Vegetarian Hand Pies with Sweet Basil

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays? These Savory Vegetarian Hand Pies with Sweet Basil are just what you need. They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress your guests!

The best part? You can prepare the filling up to a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake. This makes them a convenient choice for busy holiday prep!

Want to make these hand pies vegan? No problem! Just swap out the butter in your homemade pie crust for shortening and brush the tops with almond milk instead of egg wash. It’s that simple!

With their flaky crust and savory filling, these hand pies are perfect for keeping you warm and cozy at any gathering. Let's get cooking!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yields: 8, 3-inch Hand Pies

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup cauliflower, separated into 1/2 inch florets
• 1/2 cup potato, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder, allspice mix, or curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
• 1/4 cup sweet basil leaves, finely chopped

For the Pie:

• 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought) or puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup black or white sesame seeds

Directions

To Prepare the Filling:

1. Steam the carrots, cauliflower, and potatoes in a vegetable steamer for about 8 minutes, or microwave until tender.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in paprika and curry powder and sauté for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the steamed veggies to the skillet and sauté until the mixture is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it cool completely.
4. Once cooled, mix in the finely chopped sweet basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

To Assemble and Bake the Pies:

4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll out the pie crust or pastry sheet to a 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into 3-inch circles or squares, as desired.
7. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece of dough. Cover with another piece of dough and seal the edges with a fork.
8. Transfer the pies to a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame seeds (you can use both black and white for a fun contrast).
9. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and flaky.
10. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!

Notes:

Make ahead: Prepare the filling 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pies when ready to serve.

Vegan option: Use shortening in the pie crust and brush the tops with almond milk instead of egg.