7 to 8 ounces (1 cup) Pecorino Romano Cheese (grated very fine) divided into two separate bowls
Ground black pepper corns to taste
Directions
In a dry pan, toast black pepper corn over low heat to release their aroma (only a few moments required)
Take off heat and finely grind using a pepper grinder or mortar and pestle
Bring a hot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to directions (do not overcook)
Note: do not through out pasta water
In a small heat proof bowl add one half of the cheese and about 2-3 tablespoons of pasta water and stir to make a paste
In a new pan which is off the heat, add the black pepper and add about1 1/2 oz of pasta water to warm the pan. Add the pasta and cheese paste and mix vigorously to develop a creamy sauce
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top and continue to toss until the cheese melts through
If required add a little bit of reserved pasta water to ensure the sauce is creamy
If using frozen puff pastry make sure to thaw for at least an hour
Meanwhile boil potatoes for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but not completely cooked.
After they are cooked put into cold water while preparing the pie filling
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large skillet or pot, heat butter and oil over medium heat
Add onion, celery and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes
Add the seasonings and herbs, stirring for about a minute
Sprinkle flour into pan and combine with mixture
Whisk in the chicken broth and half and half cream until smooth
Bring to a boil until it thickens, about 2 minutes
Add the chicken, potatoes and frozen peas and carrots
Pour into an baking dish and top with puff pastry or homemade pastry
Poke some vent holes with a knife
Brush with egg wash and then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and sea salt
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until browned and the pastry is cooked through
Homemade pastry
2 cups of all purpose flour
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup pure lard or butter (I prefer lard)
1 egg
2 Tbsp ice cold water
1 Tbsp white vinegar
Directions
Combine flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Cut lard or butter into flour with two knifes or pastry knife until mixture is uniform and resembles coarse crumbs
Beat egg, water and vinegar together to blend. Pour all the liquid over flour mixture. Stir with fork until mixture is moistened
If needed, divide dough in half and shape into a ball. Flatten each into a circle about 4″ and wrap and chill dough in refrigerator about 15 minutes for easier rolling
Roll a portion of dough required (I use both portions together) to cover to of pot pie. Dust rolling pin and work surface lightly with flour. Roll dough to a uniform thickness.
Gently place over pot pie without stretching and trim, flute and bake.
Note: Making dough in a food processor (easy)
Add the flour mixture and small pieces of lard or butter into a food processor
Pulse a few times to make a course mixture. Pour a little at a time the egg, water and vinegar mixture, while pulsing
Remove dough and If needed, divide dough in half and shape into a ball. Flatten each into a circle about 4″ and wrap and chill dough in refrigerator about 15 minutes for easier rolling
Roll a portion of dough required (I use both portions together) to cover to of pot pie. Dust rolling pin and work surface lightly with flour. Roll dough to a uniform thickness.
Gently place over pot pie without stretching and trim, flute and bake.
12 oz. skinless boneless chicken breast/thigh, cut into small pieces
oil (enough for deep-frying, about 2″)
1 tablespoon oil for frying garlic
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tablespoons bottled sweet chili sauce (you can also use your favourite Asian sauce like lemon sauce or sweet and sour sauce or even plum sauce)
1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
1 pinch salt
Frying Batter:
1 egg white
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup corn starch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1/2 cup water (ice cold)
1 pinch salt
Directions:
Put all the batter ingredients into a bowl along with the chicken
Put frying oil into a wok or pan to a depth of at least 2″
Heat oil till oil begins to simmer, do not overheat. You can test oil by putting a wooden skewer in oil and bubbles form. If bubbling hard, oil is too hot.
Gently place the battered chicken into the oil and deep-fry until the chicken is golden brown
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Heat another pan over medium heat and add the oil for the garlic. Fry until fragrant and add the chicken to the pan along with sweet chili sauce, lime juice and salt. Continue to toss until chicken is coated with sauce.
In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit 5 minutes.
Add the onion, then pour over the coconut milk. Add the tomato paste. Stir until creamy and well-mixed. Arrange the butter slices over the chicken. Bake 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked throughout. Top with cilantro or parsley.