There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table with loved ones and sharing a meal that feels both special and deeply comforting. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting friends, and I wanted to create something truly memorable – a dish that would impress without requiring hours of complicated work. What emerged from my kitchen was a revelation: this Rustic Bacon, Herb & Vegetable Pie, which I believe has become my new favorite savory sensation!
I don’t often venture into the world of savory pies, but this simple yet profoundly flavorful recipe has undoubtedly changed my tune. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul, rich with hearty ingredients and aromatic herbs, all encased in a delightful crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a charming get-together with friends, this pie consistently earns rave reviews.
One of the key elements that makes this pie so exceptional, and also incredibly accommodating, is the use of unsweetened Almond Breeze. This dairy-free alternative plays a crucial role in both the pie crust and the creamy filling, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions, like one of my guests who can’t consume dairy.
The Versatile Power of Unsweetened Almond Breeze in Your Kitchen
Almond Breeze isn’t just a dairy-free milk substitute; it’s a versatile culinary ally. Beyond being dairy-free, it’s also lactose and gluten-free, making it an inclusive choice for many different diets. While delicious on its own as a refreshing drink, its true magic shines when incorporated into recipes, seamlessly replacing traditional milk. Sourced from real California almonds by Blue Diamond’s cooperative, a company with over 100 years of expertise in almond cultivation, you can trust its quality and natural flavor.
In this pie, Almond Breeze contributes a subtle nutty note to the rustic crust and forms the perfect smooth, creamy base for the rich vegetable and bacon filling. Its unsweetened profile ensures that the savory flavors of the herbs and vegetables are highlighted, without any unwanted sweetness. You might be surprised, as my friend John was, to learn that such a creamy and satisfying pie could be made without any dairy at all!
Embracing the “Rustic” Charm: Imperfection is Delicious
I affectionately named this “rustic” because it’s far from the picture-perfect, impossibly smooth pies you might scroll past on Pinterest. This pie embraces its homemade quality – it’s real, it’s unpretentious, and it’s absolutely bursting with love and flavor. In a world often chasing perfection, this pie reminds us that authenticity and taste are what truly matter most. Its charm lies in its wholesome appearance and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Crafting the Delightful Pie Crust: Simplicity in Every Bite
While you could certainly opt for a store-bought frozen pie crust to save a step, I highly recommend making the dough for this crust from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy and requires no rolling! The dough has a unique, crumbly texture, which you simply press into your pie dish, much like you would with a graham cracker crust. This method not only simplifies the process but also contributes beautifully to the rustic character of the dish, creating a tender, flavorful base that perfectly complements the rich filling.
The base crust is prepared with a simple blend of all-purpose flour, pepper, and salt, combined with extra virgin olive oil and the star ingredient, unsweetened Almond Breeze. This combination yields a crust that is just sturdy enough to hold the generous filling, yet wonderfully tender with a hint of nutty flavor from the almond milk. A quick bake ensures it’s set and ready for its delicious contents.
The Heart of the Pie: A Rich & Creamy Filling
Now, let’s talk about the filling – oh, it’s so incredibly good! This is where the magic truly happens, a harmonious blend of fresh, vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory bacon, all suspended in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the onions caramelize, the garlic sizzles, and the bacon crisps, releasing its irresistible smoky essence.
The combination of sweet onion, tender carrots, earthy white mushrooms, and savory bacon creates a complex flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully balanced. Fresh thyme and rosemary infuse the filling with an herbaceous aroma that elevates every bite, making this pie a true sensory experience. These fresh ingredients are key to achieving the depth of flavor that makes this pie stand out. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes, making it an instant classic.
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Sauce: A Simple Trick
The secret to a sauce that is perfectly rich and thick lies in one simple ingredient: cornstarch. After simmering your flavorful blend of vegetables, bacon, and herbs in Almond Breeze, a quick stir of cornstarch transforms the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency in mere minutes. This ensures that the filling holds together beautifully and provides a luxurious mouthfeel that coats every morsel.
To confirm your sauce has reached the ideal thickness, simply drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan. If you can see a clear trail where the spoon has passed, you’ll know it’s just right. This visual cue is a foolproof way to guarantee a perfectly cooked filling that won’t be runny when you slice into your pie. It’s these small tips that make a big difference in the final outcome of your homemade culinary creations.
The Flaky Crown: A Puff Pastry Topping for Added Elegance
For the top crust, I decided to “cheat” a little – and I highly recommend it! Using thawed puff pastry adds an incredible tender, flaky texture and a wonderful buttery flavor that truly elevates the pie. Simply roll out half a package of puff pastry to fit over your pie, pinch the edges to seal, and brush with a beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish. It’s an easy step that adds a touch of elegance and an irresistible crunch to every slice, complementing the rustic base and creamy filling perfectly.
Baking to Golden Perfection & Serving Suggestions
Once assembled, this magnificent pie bakes to a glorious golden perfection in about 30 minutes. The top crust will become beautifully puffed and golden brown, indicating it’s ready. While it’s tempting to dive right in, allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, as the filling will be incredibly hot. This short resting period also helps the filling set, making for cleaner slices.
Serve this mouthwatering main dish with a simple tossed salad to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and creamy pie. It makes for a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and one even asked for the recipe on the spot! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), they taste just as delicious, if not better, the next day when gently reheated in the microwave. It’s comfort food that keeps on giving.
Beyond Smoothies: The Endless Possibilities of Almond Breeze
This Rustic Bacon, Herb & Vegetable Pie is a testament to the incredible versatility of Almond Breeze. It’s proof that this dairy-free alternative can be seamlessly integrated into a wide array of savory recipes, far beyond just smoothies or breakfast cereals. Its subtle nutty undertones and smooth texture make it an ideal base for creamy sauces and tender crusts, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering other ingredients. I was genuinely impressed by how effortlessly it substituted dairy in this complex dish, and I’m already planning to incorporate it into many more of my upcoming recipes. It simplifies cooking for guests with dietary needs and adds a unique depth of flavor that’s both unexpected and delightful.
Stay tuned next month for a delicious cake recipe, just in time for Mother’s Day, where I’ll explore even more ways to use this fantastic ingredient!
In the meantime, if you’re craving more savory pies, be sure to try my Chicken Pot Pie.
Have you ever used Almond Breeze in your savory recipes? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.
Rustic Bacon, Herb & Vegetable Pie
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Enjoy this savoury pie with its blend of fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and bacon all tucked into a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Almond Breeze unsweetened
Filling
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 sweet onion chopped
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 cup white mushrooms quartered
- 4 strips bacon chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup Almond Breeze unsweetened
- 1 to 3 tsp cornstarch to thicken sauce
- ½ package frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1 large egg beaten
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, add flour, pepper and salt and stir to combine. Stir in extra virgin olive oil and Almond Breeze.
- Press dough evenly on the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Filling
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add in onion, garlic, bacon and carrots. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour, rosemary and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add in Almond Breeze. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove cover and stir in 1 tsp cornstarch. Stir to thicken. Add in more cornstarch to reach desired consistency. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and spoon mixture onto pie crust.
- Roll out puff pastry to fit the top of the pie. Pinch the edges together. Brush with egg.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Pie Plate
- Mixing bowl
Nutrition
Calories: 539kcal |
Carbohydrates: 36g |
Protein: 15g |
Fat: 39g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 32g |
Cholesterol: 39mg |
Sodium: 658mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 4g
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Herb & Vegetable Pie, Rustic Bacon
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