During the month of Ramadhan, the Muslims will fast from dawn to dusk. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calender and is a holy month for Muslims all over the world. In Ramadhan, the Muslims must abstain themselves not only from food, but also from any intimate contacts, slandering, back biting or any other negative activities. This is the month where the Muslims are given a 'once in a year' chance to correct themselves, to ask forgiveness from God the Almighty and to do as many good deeds as possible, as this is the month of self reflection and the month where all awards for good deeds with be multiplied.
Besides, Ramadhan is also associated with food. By noon, most ladies would be in the kitchen to prepare delicious food for Iftar or the breaking fast for their family. I am included. I believe that the best meal should be from the wife's and mother's hands. Thus, yesterday just like three days before, I decided to make a delicious chicken pie for the family. Well, I now this is not Asian, but why not! We need some varieties sometimes. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Pastry
Flour
Butter
a bit of water
pinch of salt (if needed)
* Mix the ingredients until it becomes a dough. Knead well and roll into thin layers. Put aside.
*Or you can use frozen pastry, like I did. You can find it at any local supermarket.
Fillings
4 garlic, finely chopped
2 big onions, finely chopped
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced (Cubed) or chopped
1 can of button mushroom, cut into four
2 potatoes (medium sized), cubed
3 tables spoon coarse black pepper, grounded
1 table spoon Italian herbs
3 table spoon flour, mix with water (as thickening agent)
2 cups of fresh milk or cream (or more, depends on your taste)
a handful of coriander leaves and spring onions, chopped
Butter, Oil for frying
Methods
1. Firstly you make the fillings by frying the ingredients. In a large skillet, pour in some butter or oil. When the butter/oil is heating up, add in the chopped onions and garlic. Stir and fry until golden brown.
2. Secondly, put in the chicken cubes and stir well until the chicken is tender. You can add in some water if needed.
3. After that, put in the potatoes and stir until tender.
4. Add in the mushroom halfway of cooking the potatoes.
5. When the potatoes and mushroom are tender, sprinkle some grounded coarse black pepper and Italian herbs. Stir well. Make sure all water is absorbed.
6. Then, pour in the flour mixture and fresh milk or cream (of your choice) and stir all ingredients well. They should be thick and not watery.
7. You can keep adding the milk or cream until you achieve your desired consistency.
8. Add some salt and chopped coriander leaves and spring onions. Now, they are ready to be baked in the oven.
9. In a preheated oven of 180 celcius, put in the oven dish with the fillings at the bottom and the pastry at the top and bake for about 40-50 mins or until cooked.
* You can layer the pastry and design it as you wish according to your own creativity. Don't forget to brush the top of the pastry with some beaten eggs and milk.
*serves 4-6 people
