Rappy Pie: A Traditional Acadian Delight
Rappy Pie is a beloved dish deeply rooted in Acadian culture, often prepared for special occasions and gatherings. This comforting one-dish meal, rich in flavors and textures, features tender chicken enveloped in a fluffy potato topping that resembles snow. It is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, making it a staple in many homes, often enjoyed even more than roast beef. In this detailed recipe, you’ll find everything you need to create this delightful dish, perfect for family dinners or festive celebrations.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Servings: 10
- Aggregated Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Review Count: 4
Description
Rappy Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Acadian cooking. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy potato topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors that warms the heart and soul. With a rich history and tradition, this recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and togetherness.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | chicken |
| 1 | onion |
| 1 | carrot |
| 1 | celery |
| 2 | salt |
| 1/4 | butter |
| 8 | potatoes |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 569.5 |
| Total Fat | 21.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 608.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g |
| Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Protein | 28.2 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Begin by placing the chicken, onion, carrot, celery, and salt into a large pot. Cover with enough water to fully submerge the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 2 hours. This slow cooking will infuse the broth with rich flavors.
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Shred the Chicken: After 2 hours of simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before removing the skin and bones. Using your hands or a fork, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
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Strain the Broth: Strain the remaining broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a separate bowl, discarding the vegetables. You should have a rich, flavorful broth ready for the next step.
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Prepare the Potatoes: While the chicken is cooling, peel the potatoes and grate them finely using a box grater, or alternatively, use a blender to puree them until smooth. The goal is to achieve a texture similar to that of potato pancakes.
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Remove Excess Liquid: Working in batches of 2 cups at a time, place the grated potatoes into a clean kitchen cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Be sure to save the liquid, as it will be useful later.
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Mix Potatoes with Broth: Once you’ve squeezed the liquid from the potatoes, transfer the dry potato mixture to a large mixing bowl. Measure the reserved liquid and discard any excess. For every cup of liquid you have, add an equal amount of the hot broth to the grated potatoes. This will help create a light and fluffy texture.
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Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a greased 15×20 inch baking pan, spread half of the potato mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the shredded chicken on top of the potatoes, ensuring even distribution. Finally, spread the remaining potato mixture over the chicken layer.
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Add Butter for Flavor: Dot the top of the pie with small pieces of butter. This will enhance the flavor and help create a beautifully golden-brown crust as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top begins to turn golden brown. After this initial baking period, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 2 hours. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve: Once the baking time is complete, remove the Rappy Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This dish can be served warm and pairs wonderfully with pickles on the side, adding a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.
Additional Variations
While this recipe features chicken, Rappy Pie is incredibly versatile and can be made with other proteins, such as beef or even clams, catering to different tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients while maintaining the core elements of this classic dish.
Conclusion
Rappy Pie is not just a meal; it is a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together around the table. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy potatoes creates a dish that is comforting, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a family dinner, Rappy Pie is sure to become a beloved staple in your home, just as it has been for generations of Acadians. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the memories that come with this special dish!
This recipe for Rappy Pie is designed to resonate with both the heart and palate, capturing the essence of Acadian cuisine. Embrace the tradition and enjoy the process of creating this delicious one-dish meal!
