At Breaking Bread, located in the heart of Pokhara, Nepal, the Chicken Pie is a beloved dish that embodies our ethos of blending culinary traditions from around the world with the rich palette of local ingredients. This comforting, hearty pie draws inspiration from classic European styles of pie-making, infusing them with Nepali spices and flavors to create a unique and satisfying meal.

Chicken Pie Recipe: A Fusion of Comfort and Flavor

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • Chicken: We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Vegetables: A mix of onions, carrots, peas, and potatoes makes the filling hearty and colorful. Depending on the season, we also include local Nepali vegetables for freshness and a touch of local terroir.
  • Spices and Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add a classic aroma, while a hint of cumin and coriander lends a subtle Nepali flavor profile.
  • Broth and Cream: A combination of chicken broth and cream (or a local dairy alternative) creates a rich, savory sauce that binds the filling together.
  • Flour: A small amount of flour is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it’s lush and coats the ingredients generously.
• For the Crust:
  • We use a traditional buttery pie dough for the bottom and top layers, ensuring it’s flaky and golden when baked. For a local twist, we sometimes incorporate a small amount of local millet or buckwheat flour into the dough, adding a subtle nuttiness and honoring Nepal’s grain diversity.

Preparation:

1. Making the Filling: The chicken pieces are browned and set aside. In the same pan, onions, carrots, and other vegetables are sautéed until softened. We then add the flour, spices, and herbs, cooking for a minute before deglazing with broth. The cream is added last, along with the chicken, simmering until the sauce thickens.
2. Assembling the Pie: The filling is poured into a pie dish lined with the rolled-out dough. A second layer of dough is placed on top, with edges crimped together to seal. Vent holes are cut into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Baking: The pie is baked in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked and deliciously savory.

Serving:

Our Chicken Pie is served warm, often with a side of fresh salad tossed with local greens and herbs, making it a perfect meal for any time of day. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet new, reflecting the blend of cultures and flavors that characterizes our approach at Breaking Bread.

The Essence of Breaking Bread:

This Chicken Pie, like all our dishes, is a testament to our belief in the power of food to bring people together, offering comfort, joy, and a taste of both the familiar and the exotic. We’re committed to sourcing the best local ingredients, celebrating both the Belgian art of baking and the incredible flavors found in Nepal. It’s our way of sharing a piece of our journey with every customer who walks through our doors, inviting them into a shared space of culinary discovery and delight.