Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
These hearts of palm hand pies are not only easy to make but also taste excellent! If you’re looking for a savory mini pie, this Brazilian appetizer is right up your alley!
Easy hearts of palm hand pies
These hearts of palm hand pies are nicely salty, creamy, and full of flavor. While the crumbly crust is flaky and slightly disintegrates when you bite, the heart of palm filling is creamy and balances out the crust’s dryness–it’s a perfect combination.
What are hearts of palm?
Hearts of palm are a vegetable harvest from the inner core of some palm trees. Heart of palm is a delicate, slightly nutty, vegetable often compared to artichokes. Texture-wise, this vegetable is crunchy and creamy at the same time, which makes it perfect for a wide variety of dishes.
Is hearts of palm good for you?
Absolutely! Heart of palm is a natural source of protein, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, and more. And, that’s not all–this vegetable is waistline-friendly as it is low in calories; about 40 calories in a cup!
Can you eat hearts of palm raw?
Yes, in fact, we often eat it raw in this delicious Brazilian hearts of palm salad–it’s divine! Where do I find heart of palm? You should be able to find hearts of palm in the canned goods section in the grocery store. However, if you can’t find it there, you can also buy it online –thanks, Google!
How to serve heart of palm hand pies?
You can serve it either cold, at room temperature, or warm, but for this flavor, I particularly enjoy it warm. In Brazil, we serve it during birthday parties, family reunions, or just as an afternoon snack. It always tastes excellent!
Some other fillings for your mini pies
There are hand pies of all flavors in Brazil, from the sweet ones–for those who have a sweet tooth (like me)–to the savory pies that make a delicious appetizer.
Tips for making perfect mini pies
If your dough turns out very sticky, add more flour. If it turns out too dry, add some more butter. Make it in batches: cover half of the muffin pan with dough, then stuff them with the filling. It saves time.
How to make these savory hand pies
Crumbly crust
In a large bowl, add half of the flour, all the butter, egg yolk, and salt. Using your hands, knead the flour mixture well until all ingredients are incorporated. It will be a sticky dough, but that will improve. Now, gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough until it isn’t sticking to your hand anymore. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it in the fridge for 20 minutes. In the meantime, you can make the filling.
Mini pie filling
In a skillet, saute the onion until translucent in butter over medium-low heat. Then, add the garlic and let it saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced hearts of palm and saute it further for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and flour, and stir it until it becomes a smooth cream. Next, add the frozen peas, stir it well, cook it for 2 minutes, and turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese, olives, and parsley, and mix it again. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assembling the hand pies
Preheat the oven at 350°F/180°C. Remove the dough from the plastic wrap, grab a small dough ball measure in your hands, and make a flat disc to place in the muffin pan. Gently press the dough onto the muffin pan covering the bottom and sides. Make sure there is a little extra dough hanging off the edges. Using a spoon, stuff the dough with the filling until it is slightly higher than the edge. Grab another small portion of dough, and make a new disc with your hands. Use this small piece of dough to cover the filling. Gently press the sides to close each mini pie and remove the excess dough, if any. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling. Once they’re all assembled, brush the hand pies with egg wash. Bake them for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve and bom apetite! Enjoy!
