The Ultimate Piggie Pie Recipe: A Deliciously Savory Treat

This isn't your grandma's apple pie! This Piggie Pie recipe is a savory masterpiece, perfect for a casual dinner party or a hearty weeknight meal. Forget sugary sweetness; we're diving into a world of rich, flavorful ground pork encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe is designed to be easily followed, even for beginner bakers, and focuses on maximizing flavor at every step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and satisfying dish!

What Makes This Piggie Pie Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because of its careful balance of flavors and textures. We aren't just throwing ingredients together; we're crafting a culinary experience. Here's what makes it unique:

• Flavorful Pork Filling: We use a blend of seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the pork, creating a depth of flavor that's both comforting and exciting.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust: Forget store-bought crusts! This recipe guides you through making a homemade crust that's incredibly flaky and buttery, complementing the savory filling perfectly.
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions: We've broken down the process into simple, manageable steps, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a delicious result.
• Versatile Recipe: Feel free to experiment! Add your favorite vegetables, like diced carrots, celery, or onions, to customize the filling to your liking.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Crust:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. Cook the pork: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground pork. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the sage, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer the filling: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded.

Assembling and Baking the Piggie Pie:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer to a pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
4. Add the filling: Pour the cooked pork filling into the pie crust.
5. Top with the crust: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
6. Cut vents: Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Piggie Pie is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice finishing touch.

Boost Your SEO: Off-Page Optimization

Remember, off-page SEO is just as important! To boost your recipe's visibility:

• Share on Social Media: Post your delicious Piggie Pie photos on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest with relevant hashtags like #piggiepie #savorypie #groundporkrecipe #homemadepie.
• Guest Blogging: Consider writing a guest post for food blogs, linking back to your recipe.
• Build Backlinks: Engage with other food bloggers and comment on their posts, naturally linking to your recipe when relevant.

By following this recipe and these SEO tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious Piggie Pie and sharing it with the world!