Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie

First of all, this recipe probably isn't pot pie in the sense that you're used to.  When most people think "pot pie," they're thinking of an actual pie with a stew-like filling.  This recipe includes no pie pan; it's more like what you would get if you made the pie right in the pot.  My mom's family is Pennsylvania Dutch, and this is one of the staples of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.  The pot pie recipe is my Grandma's, and it is absolutely delicious! 

Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie

1 chicken

Water to cover chicken

1 onion, chopped

3 carrots, sliced

3-4 potatoes, diced

2 ribs celery, sliced

⅓ c. chicken bouillon

1-2 Tbsp parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 batch pot pie (see recipe below)

Place chicken in large stock pot.  Cover with water.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until thoroughly cooked.  This will take a few hours.

Remove chicken from pot, set aside to cool.  If necessary, add water to end up with about 3 quarts of liquid.  Bring cooking liquids to a boil; add chopped vegetables, bouillon, and salt and pepper.  Adjust seasonings as necessary.

Boil until vegetables begin to turn tender, but are not quite done; add parsley.  While vegetables are boiling, remove chicken from bones, shred, and set aside.

Add prepared pot pie noodles to boiling water (make sure it's a rolling boil).  Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.  About 5 minutes before noodles are done, add desired amount of chicken back into pot.  Save unused chicken for other meals (quesadillas, sandwiches, tortilla soup, etc.).

Pot Pie

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

2 Tbsp shortening

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup water

Combine dry ingredients.  Cut shortening into flour mixture until pieces are very fine.

Stir in beaten egg and water.  The mixture will be pretty dry and crumbly, so it's easiest to get messy and use your hands.

On a floured surface, roll the dough until it is very thin.  Cut dough into 2-inch squares.

**I apologize I don't have any pictures of the final product, but we ended up having to make a trip to the ER right after this finished cooking.  Next time I make this, I'll try to take pictures and add them.**