Root Vegetable Slab Pie Food

ROOT VEGETABLE SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Prepare the crust: Unroll 2 pieces of pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Brush 1 piece with half of the melted butter, then set the other piece directly on top. Roll the 2 pieces together into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces of pie dough. Line an 8-by-11-inch baking dish with 1 rectangle, leaving an overhang on all sides. Transfer the remaining rectangle to a baking sheet. Chill both crusts until the dough is firm, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and 1 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the shallots start to brown, about 20 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring, until glazed, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery root and the remaining 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup water until smooth. Tie the thyme sprigs and bay leaves together with kitchen twine; add to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is thick, about 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Discard the herb bundle. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, scallions and parsley.
• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Spread the shallots evenly over the crust in the baking dish, then add the root vegetable filling in an even layer. Cover with the prepared top crust; use kitchen scissors to trim the excess pastry so there is a 1-inch overhang. Pinch the 2 crusts together, then fold the overhanging dough under itself. Chill 20 minutes.
• Brush the top crust with the beaten egg. Score decoratively with a paring knife, being careful not to pierce completely through; poke a few vents in the crust to allow steam to escape. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

SHEET PAN ROOT VEGETABLE POT PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a half sheet pan (18-by-13-inches) with cooking spray.
• Put the butter, thyme, cinnamon and allspice in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the butter melts, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is a sandy consistency, about 1 minute. Pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly, until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper and bring to a boil, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until thickened and the flour flavor is gone, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put the sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, celery, pearl onions, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on the prepared half sheet pan and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Stack the 4 puff pastry sheets on top of each other on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the puff pastry to a 20-by-15-inch rectangle. Pour the gravy on top of the vegetables on the sheet pan and toss together to coat. Place the puff pastry evenly over the filling so there is about a 1-inch overhang on the edges. Trim the overhang with kitchen shears, making sure that the filling stays completely covered. Using the shears, make 12 small X marks all over the pastry; these slits will help steam escape. Beat the egg with a splash of water in a small bowl. Brush the pastry with the egg wash and bake until deep golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the pot pie cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.