Chef Vinoth Kumar of The Raintree, Anna Salai is spearheading a Brazilian food festival that kicks off at The Kitchen today. Compressing close to a decade of experience over the next 10 days, chef Vinoth tells us to look out for a spree of unique offerings like Arroz (deep-fried balls made of rice batter) and Quindin (mini coconut flans). He gives us a quick breakdown of one of the signatures of the festival — an Empadao or Brazilian Chicken Pie — for you to try at home!
Empadao or Brazilian Chicken Pie
INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN FILLING:
2 tablespoons olive oil | 2 medium onions, finely chopped | 2 garlic cloves, minced | 2 tomatoes, chopped | 2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded | 1/2 cup chopped green olives | 1 cup corn (optional) | 1 cup green peas (optional) | 1 cup hearts of palm, chopped (optional) | 1 cup tomato sauce | A couple dashes of hot sauce | 2 cups chicken broth | 1 tablespoon flour dissolved in 1/3 cup milk | 1/2 cup chopped parsley | Salt and pepper to taste
CRUST:
5 cups flour |1 teaspoon salt | 3 egg yolks | 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup cold water | 3 sticks butter (12 ounces), cut into smaller pieces | 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten, for brushing (Get ingredients powered by Chicory)
MAKE THE FILLING:
• In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, add the olive oil and, once hot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent, about two minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook them with the onions and garlic for a couple of minutes, until softened.
• Add the shredded chicken, olives, corn (if using), peas (if using), hearts of palm (if using), tomato sauce, hot sauce and stir to combine. Then, add the chicken broth and the flour dissolved in milk. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid is gone and the filling is creamy and lightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Add the chopped parsley and stir.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cool completely before assembling the pie.
MAKING THE CRUST:
• Combine the flour and the salt in a large bowl.
• Add the egg yolks and stir using a wooden spoon.
• Then add the butter and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour, until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the water, a few tablespoons at a time, and continue working with your fingers until the dough comes together. You might not need all the water!
• Wrap the dough and chill for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When the dough is cool, cut 1/3 of the dough and reserve. Roll out the remaining dough to about 12" round. Place the pastry in a 9-inch spring form pan, making sure the dough also covers the sides (since we have lots of filling!), and prick it all over with a fork.
• Add the cold filling, smoothing it out so it is evenly distributed.
• Then, roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the filling, sealing the pie and tucking the edges.
• Using a knife, make two cuts in the centre of the top crust, so that steam can escape while baking.
• Brush the pie with the lightly beaten egg yolk.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is piping hot.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
TIP:
If you have some requeijão (or catupiry cheese), add about one cup on top of the filling, before closing the pie with the top crust.
The Brazilian Food Festival starts today, on till August 31.
sonali@newindianexpress.com | @brightasunshine