If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that feels homemade and special, this Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, roasted pumpkin combined with spicy, savory chorizo and sweet, rich caramelised onions all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. These hand-pies are more than just a snack – they’re a delicious celebration of comforting fall ingredients that’s sure to brighten any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes alive with a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, whether bringing vibrant color, luscious texture, or bold, satisfying flavor to your hand-pies.
- Plain flour: This is the base for your pastry, offering that perfect crisp and flaky texture; gluten-free flour works great if you want to keep things gluten-sensitive.
- Chilled butter: Cut into small pieces, it’s the secret to flaky layers as it creates steam during baking, making your pastry light and buttery.
- Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky, preserving its tender crumb.
- Chorizo: Skin removed and cooked, this spicy sausage adds robust depth and a little kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness of pumpkin and onions.
- Roasted pumpkin: Tender and naturally sweet, roasting enhances the flavor and soft texture perfect for hand-pie filling.
- Caramelised onions: Slowly cooked until golden and sweet, these onions contribute a rich, complex sweetness that ties everything together.
- Shredded sage leaves: Fresh or dried, sage lends herby warmth that complements the chorizo and pumpkin perfectly; thyme or rosemary can be delightful alternatives.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course – these simple seasonings make sure every bite sings with balanced flavor.
How to Make Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). Cut the pumpkin into cubes, toss them with a little oil and a pinch of salt, then roast for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised on the edges. Roasting intensifies the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and softens it perfectly for the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
While the pumpkin roasts, cook the chorizo in a medium skillet over medium heat. Brown it well for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart so you get little crumbles bursting with smoky, spicy flavor. This robust meat is the heart of your filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, fold together the roasted pumpkin cubes, cooked chorizo, and caramelised onions. Add the shredded sage leaves—this herbal note adds fresh warmth to every bite. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix gently; you want to keep some texture, not mash everything up.
Step 4: Make the Pastry Circles
Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until about 3mm thick. Use a round cutter to slice circles large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling. This is where your hand-pies start to take shape—each one promises a perfect little parcel of flavor waiting to be baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Hand-Pies
Place a spoonful of the prepared filling onto one half of each pastry circle. Fold the other half over and press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for an extra-tight bond and a pretty finish. This ensures none of that delicious filling escapes during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your hand-pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg for a beautiful golden color and glossy finish once baked. Pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. The smell alone will have you excited to dive in!
How to Serve Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like sage or a light drizzle of smoky paprika-infused oil can add a lovely finishing touch. These garnishes not only enhance the look but also add bursts of aroma and flavor that complement the hand-pies wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand-pies with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A warm bowl of soup, especially something with earthy flavors like butternut squash or tomato, also makes an absolutely fabulous companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these hand-pies on rustic wooden boards lined with parchment for a charming, casual vibe. For a party, arrange them on tiered trays or with small bowls of dipping sauces such as a smoky aioli or a vibrant chimichurri for added excitement and variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some hand-pies left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay moist yet flaky if properly covered, making them perfect for next-day snacks or quick lunches.
Freezing
These pies freeze beautifully! After assembling but before baking, place them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime without the prep.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated hand-pies in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky texture and golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo adds a distinctive smoky-spice punch, you can substitute with other flavorful sausages like Italian or spicy turkey sausage. Just cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
Is it possible to make these hand-pies vegan?
Yes! Swap the chorizo for a smoky plant-based sausage or spiced tempeh, use vegan butter or coconut oil in the pastry, and a flaxseed “egg” for brushing the tops. The filling can stay just as delicious with these tweaks.
What’s the best way to caramelise onions for this recipe?
Slice them thinly and cook slowly over low heat with a pinch of salt and a bit of oil or butter for about 25-30 minutes. Patience here brings out a deep, sweet flavor that’s well worth the wait.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can make the pastry dough a day ahead, wrap it tightly in cling film, and chill it in the refrigerator. This actually helps the butter stay cold and can result in an even flakier crust.
How do I prevent the pastry edges from opening while baking?
Make sure to firmly seal the edges by pressing down with a fork and using a little water or beaten egg as “glue.” Chilling the pies briefly before baking can also help maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of spicy chorizo, sweet roasted pumpkin, and golden caramelised onions wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. This Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re warming up a family dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering, give these hand-pies a try – I promise they’ll become one of your new favorites just like they are mine!
Print
Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Hand Pies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Chorizo, Pumpkin, and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies are a delicious savory treat perfect for a snack or meal. Combining the rich, spicy flavor of chorizo with sweet roasted pumpkin and deeply flavored caramelised onions, these hand-pies are encased in a buttery, flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for sharing, these pies offer a comforting blend of textures and tastes that will delight any palate.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2.5 cups Plain flour (Use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup Chilled butter (Cut into small pieces before use)
- 5–6 tablespoons Ice water (Helps bring the dough together)
Filling
- 400 g Chorizo (Skin removed)
- 1 cup Roasted pumpkin (Cubed and roasted until tender)
- 1 cup Caramelised onions (Adds a rich sweetness)
- 0.25 cup Shredded sage leaves (Thyme or rosemary can work well)
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
Finishing
- 1 Beaten egg (For brushing tops)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (392°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your hand-pies are assembled.
- Roast the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into cubes, drizzle lightly with oil, season with salt, and roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelised.
- Cook the chorizo: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the chorizo for 8–10 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the roasted pumpkin, cooked chorizo, caramelised onions, and shredded sage leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix carefully to retain texture.
- Roll out the pastry: Roll the chilled pastry dough to an even thickness and cut out circles sized to hold a generous spoonful of filling.
- Fill and shape the hand-pies: Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each pastry circle, fold the other half over to cover, and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together firmly.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the hand-pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the hand-pies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour as a substitute in the pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For an herbal twist, you can substitute sage with thyme or rosemary in the filling.
- Ensure the pastry is well chilled before rolling to help it hold shape and create a flaky texture.
- Brushing the pies with beaten egg is key to achieving a shiny, appetizing crust.
- Caramelised onions add a sweet depth to the filling, but if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramelised onions or sauté onions slowly until golden brown.
