If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to switch up your snack game, these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are the answer! Imagine crispy, golden pastry pockets filled with the subtly sweet and savory flavor of hearts of palm, combined with a few seasonings that make every bite feel like a mini celebration. These hand pies are the perfect balance of light and satisfying, and trust me—you’ll be hooked after your first bite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them with a casual dinner, they’re sure to be the star of the show!
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Why You’ll Love Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something special and memorable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a tasty bite to enjoy, these hand pies deliver big flavor. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:
Versatile: These hand pies can be served as an appetizer, a fun snack, or even as part of a light lunch or dinner. They’re perfect for gatherings or as a grab-and-go meal when you’re in the mood for something savory.
Budget-Friendly: With a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious hand pies without breaking the bank. The hearts of palm are the perfect affordable yet flavorful filling that will leave everyone guessing what’s inside.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to crispy, flaky hand pies in no time. The ingredients are simple, and the method is straightforward, making this a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist by mixing in other ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or even a little heat with chili flakes. These hand pies are the perfect base for experimentation!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them at a party or making them for a family dinner, these hand pies are always a hit. The combination of flaky pastry and flavorful filling makes them irresistible!
Ingredients
Making these hand pies is simple, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hearts of Palm: The main star! Their delicate texture and flavor create a perfect filling that’s a little sweet, a little savory.
Puff Pastry: This is what gives these hand pies that light, flaky texture that’s just irresistible when baked.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor profile of the filling.
Onion: Sweet, caramelized onions bring sweetness to balance the savory filling.
Lemon Zest: Just a touch of zest brightens up the entire dish with a burst of freshness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs of choice (I love using thyme or parsley) round out the filling.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these savory little hand pies:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your hand pies bake evenly and come out crispy and golden.
Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the hearts of palm, breaking them up gently with a spoon or fork. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares, about 4-5 inches each, depending on how large you want your hand pies.
Fill the Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the hearts of palm mixture onto the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as you’ll want to be able to seal the edges properly.
Seal and Crimp: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring that the hand pies are sealed tightly. You can also brush the edges with a little egg wash (egg and water) for a golden finish.
Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot, so be careful when you take that first bite!
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
These hand pies are great on their own, but you can also serve them with some of these fun sides:
Dips: Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like aioli, tzatziki, or a simple ranch dressing to complement the savory filling.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hand pies.
Soup: Pair these with a warm bowl of soup, like a light tomato or butternut squash soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your hand pies turn out perfect:
Make Ahead: You can assemble the hand pies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time if you’re making them for a party or gathering.
Customizing Fillings: Feel free to add different ingredients to the filling—like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cheese—to make it your own.
Freezing: These hand pies freeze beautifully. After assembling, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Perfectly Golden: Brush the tops of the hand pies with an egg wash (a mixture of egg and water) before baking to get that golden, shiny finish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another type of pastry?
A1: Yes, you can substitute puff pastry with pie dough or phyllo dough, though the texture will be different.
Q2: Can I make these vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! The hearts of palm filling is already vegetarian, so you’re good to go.
Q3: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A3: Yes! A little shredded cheese, like mozzarella or goat cheese, would be a delicious addition to the filling.
Q4: Can I make these in advance?
A4: Yes! Assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them the same day you serve them for the best texture.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back.
Q6: Can I freeze these hand pies?
A6: Yes! Freeze the assembled hand pies before baking. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q7: How can I make these spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the filling for a little heat!
Q8: Can I use canned hearts of palm?
A8: Yes! Canned hearts of palm are a great option if fresh ones are hard to find.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re making a larger batch.
Q10: What else can I serve with these hand pies?
A10: Try serving them with a side of sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta dish to make it a more filling meal.
Conclusion
These Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are a game-changer! The flaky pastry paired with the savory filling makes for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab those hearts of palm and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brazilian-inspired hearts of palm hand pies are a savory delight! A buttery, flaky crust surrounds a creamy filling made with hearts of palm, olives, and cream cheese, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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2 cups flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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10 tablespoons butter, softened
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1 large egg
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1 egg yolk
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Egg wash for brushing the hand pies
For the Filling:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tomatoes, chopped
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21 ounces (1 1/2 cans) hearts of palm, diced
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1/3 cup chopped green olives
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1 tablespoon flour (or cornstarch)
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1/3 cup milk
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/3 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
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Making the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and work it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing with your hands until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough. If needed, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time.
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 40 minutes. -
Making the Filling:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and cook until softened, 2-3 minutes.
Add hearts of palm and olives, stirring to combine.
Stir in flour, cooking for about a minute. Then, add milk and cream cheese, stirring until melted and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, then add chopped parsley. Allow to cool to room temperature before assembling. -
Assembling the Hand Pies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Divide the dough into small portions (about 2 tablespoons each). Press each portion into the bottom of an egg tart mold, leaving excess dough hanging off the edges.
Spoon the filling on top, piling it high.
Press another portion of dough into a disk and place it on top of the filling. Pinch the edges together to seal, trimming excess dough with your fingers.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling to form about 10 hand pies. Place on a baking sheet.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Serving:
Serve the hand pies warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg