Rappie Pie – Canada

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!