How to Make Delicious Fried Pies at Home

Fried pies are a delicious and easy treat that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. They are a popular dessert in the Southern United States and are perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will discuss the process of making fried pies, from preparing the dough to frying them to perfection.

To make fried pies, you will need basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. You can also choose your filling, such as fruit preserves, chocolate, or even savory options like cheese and bacon. While the process may seem daunting at first, making fried pies is actually quite simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. So, grab your apron and get ready to learn how to make delicious fried pies from scratch.

Ingredients

To make fried pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Pie crusts
For the filling, you can either use store-bought crust or make your crust at home. If you decide to make pie crusts at home, you’ll need flour, salt, butter, and ice-cold water.

2. Filling
You can use a variety of filling to make fried pies. Some popular options include apple, peach, cherry, and blueberry. You’ll need sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch with your chosen fruit to make the filling.

3. Oil for frying
To fry the pies, you’ll need an oil that has a high smoke point. Canola and vegetable oil are good options.

Instructions

Follow these instructions to make delicious fried pies:

1. Prepare the pie crust
If you’re using store-bought crusts, remove them from their package and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will make them easier to handle. If you’re making your own crust, mix flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in the butter. Gradually add ice-cold water until the dough is formed.

2. Make the filling
Combine the sliced fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl and mix well.

3. Roll out the crust
Divide the dough into 4-5 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.

4. Add the filling
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each crust.

5. Fold and seal the edges
Fold the crust over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges together and seal the pie.

6. Heat the oil
Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach a depth of about ½ inch. Heat the oil to 350-375°F.

7. Fry the pies
Gently drop the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8. Drain excess oil
Remove the pies from the oil using tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

9. Serve and enjoy
Fried pies are best served warm. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top, and you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creation.

10. Extra tip: Experiment with different fillings
One of the best things about fried pies is that you can experiment with a variety of fillings. Try using different fruits, spices, and even chocolate or nut fillings. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Making Fried Pies

Making fried pies requires quite a number of ingredients, and it’s best to have them all prepared beforehand. Here are the ingredients you will need:

1. Pastry Dough
The foundation of any pie is its pastry shell, and for fried pies, the pastry dough should be rolled thin. You can either make your own pastry dough or buy premade pie crust dough from a local grocery store.

2. Filling
The type of filling you use is up to you. Be it savory or sweet, you can make fillings from any of your favorite ingredients. Fruits such as apples, berries, or peaches are perfect for sweet pies, while meats such as chicken or beef are great for savory pies.

3. Oil
To fry your pies, you’ll need plenty of oil, preferably vegetable oil, as it has a high smoking point and is ideal for deep frying.

4. Seasonings
To give your filling an extra flavor boost, you can use various seasonings based on your preference. For sweet pies, you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. For savory pies, you can use garlic, onion, or rosemary.

5. Flour and Water
A mixture of flour and water is used to make a paste that seals the pies’ edges and prevents the filling from spilling out while frying.

6. Egg and Milk
An egg wash made up of beaten egg and milk is brushed on the pies after frying, giving them a golden brown and crisp exterior.

7. Sugar
Sugar is used to sweeten the fillings for sweet pies. The amount you use depends on your preference and the sweetness of the fruits you’re using.

8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is used to add a tangy flavor to sweet pies that complement the sweetness of the fruits.

9. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for fruit fillings. It helps to reduce the juices produced by the filling while cooking and allows the filling to thicken.

10. Salt
Salt is used as a seasoning for savory pies, and it helps to balance the flavors of the filling. It’s best to use a small amount of salt so that it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the filling.

Ingredients you’ll need

Before making fried pies, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients in your kitchen. Otherwise, your cooking process can be halted halfway, and you’ll end up disappointed. Here are some of the things you’ll need:

Making the Dough for Fried Pies

The dough is the most crucial part of the fried pies. Making the proper dough guarantees the crust has the right consistency and flakiness. The following are the steps to make the dough:

1. Begin by mixing the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the butter and blend it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Add cold water to make a firm dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and doesn’t stick to your fingers.
4. Divide the dough into 6 to 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle shape with a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

How to Fill Fried Pies

The next step is to fill the pies with your favorite filling. Here is how you can do it:

1. Place the rolled out dough on a floured surface.
2. Add your filling of choice- typically fruit-based. Please do not overfill it, because it can cause the filling to ooze out and make a mess.
3. Slightly dampen the edges of the dough with water to help the edges adhere to each other.
4. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon-shaped pie.
5. Seal the edges with a fork, making sure to press down tightly to avoid opening up during frying.

Frying the Pies

With the pies folded and edges sealed, it’s time to fry them:

1. Preheat the oil to 375°F.
2. Gently add the pies to the hot oil and let them fry for about 3 minutes or until they are golden brown. A metal slotted spoon can help to turn the pies around quickly.
3. Once done, carefully remove the pies from the oil and let them cool on a paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
4. Dust the pies with confectioner’s sugar to your desired taste. Now they are ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

Following these steps, you’ll be able to make a delicious fried pie that everyone will enjoy. Remember to have all the ingredients available, and take your time throughout the process. Happy cooking!

Satisfied Tummy Guaranteed: That’s How You Make Fried Pies

Now that you’ve learned how to make the perfect fried pies, why don’t you give it a try? Imagine munching on warm and crispy crust with a delicious filling. Yum! I hope you found this guide useful and easy to follow. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through it. I had a great time sharing with you one of my all-time favorite food recipes. Come back for more fun-filled articles and recipes. Happy cooking and eating!