Certainly! Rappie Pie is a traditional Acadian dish from Eastern Canada, particularly popular in the Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It’s a unique and hearty dish made with grated potatoes and meat, often chicken or pork. Here’s a classic recipe for Rappie Pie:
Ingredients:
For the Rappie Mix:
- 10 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 cups chicken or pork broth
- 2 cups chicken or pork meat, cooked and shredded
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 cups chicken or pork meat, cooked and shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rappie Mix:
- Grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with chicken or pork broth. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the starch to settle at the bottom.
- Carefully pour off the liquid, leaving the starch settled at the bottom of the bowl.
- Add shredded chicken or pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the grated potatoes. Mix well.
- Slowly add the settled potato starch back into the mixture, stirring constantly. The starch helps bind the mixture together.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined. The consistency should be thick and pasty.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken or pork to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Rappie Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a deep baking dish (9×13 inches or similar size) with butter or oil.
- Spread half of the rappie mix evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the prepared meat filling evenly over the rappie mix layer.
- Cover the meat filling with the remaining rappie mix, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top.
4. Bake:
- Bake the Rappie Pie in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve:
- Slice the Rappie Pie into squares and serve hot. It’s often accompanied by pickles, chow chow, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Rappie Pie, a delightful taste of Canadian culinary heritage!
