CHICKEN AND TARRAGON PIE
CHICKEN AND TARRAGON PIE
CHICKEN AND TARRAGON PIE

Ingredients
  • 500g/1lb plain flour
  • 125g/4oz unsalted butter
  • 125g/4oz lard
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • beaten
  • 75g/3oz unsalted butter
  • 50g/2oz plain flour
  • 350ml/12fl oz whole milk
  • warmed
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 x 150g/5oz chicken breasts
  • cut into chunks
  • 125g/4oz good-quality ham
  • cut into strips
  • 2 large leeks
  • 5 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
Directions
  • Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl and rub the butter and lard into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add the vinegar and enough cold water to bring the mixture together into a smooth dough.
  • Divide the dough into two pieces
  • wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile
  • for the filling heat 25g/1oz of the butter in a frying pan and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes
  • then add the leeks and continue to cook for a further 3-4 minutes
  • or until just soft. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl
  • then season and set aside.
  • Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan
  • then add the flour and whisk to a smooth paste. Cook for a minute or two then remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the milk. Return the sauce to the heat and cook over a gentle heat until smooth and thick (do not boil).
  • Stir in the chicken mixture
  • ham and tarragon.
  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4.
  • Roll one of the pieces of pastry thinly and use it to line a 25cm/10in pie plate. Trim the edges. Spoon in the chicken mixture and brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
  • Roll the second piece of pastry out thinly and cover the pie. Seal and crimp the edges. Cut a hole in the top of the pie and brush the top with the beaten egg.
  • Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes.