Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Cool the filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly while preparing the crust.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the crust: Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Trim the edges as needed.
- Fill the pie: Spoon the pork and pepper mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the second crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp them together to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg wash: Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Homemade or store-bought crust: If you’re short on time, a store-bought crust works great, but a homemade crust can add an extra buttery richness to the pie.
- Make ahead: The pork and pepper filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Hearty: The savory pork and pepper filling wrapped in a flaky crust makes for a perfect cozy dinner.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables, or enjoy it on its own.
- Make it your own: This recipe is flexible—swap out the pork for ground beef or turkey, or add in other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.
This Savory Pork and Pepper Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pork and flavorful peppers in a buttery, flaky pie crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, it’s a dish that will become a go-to in your recipe collection! Enjoy this warm and satisfying pie any time of the year.