Rappie Pie

Story behind the dish

Imagine a hearty, comforting dish that hails from the rugged coasts of Newfoundland—a place where chefs have perfected the art of turning humble ingredients into a family feast. Rappie Pie is a beloved staple, filled with tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and a deliciously creamy potato mixture. It’s a dish that gathers loved ones around the table, promising warmth and a touch of Newfoundland history in every bite.

The magic of this pie lies in its layered textures—crispy, golden crust on top, tender chicken nestled within, and a rich, savory potato base that soaks up the flavors. It’s perfect for special family dinners or cozy weekend gatherings, offering both comfort and a dash of culinary tradition.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (or margarine, if preferred)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 quarts chicken stock
• 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) chicken breasts
• 8.8 lb (4 kg) potatoes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 10x14x2-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften and turn translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook and stir the onions until they are very tender and dark brown, about 40 minutes. Set aside.
4. In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat, and simmer until fully cooked and no longer pink inside (about 20 minutes).
5. Remove the chicken breasts with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Reserve the broth for later.
6. Juice the potatoes using an electric juicer. Discard the potato juice and transfer the dry potato flesh into a bowl.
7. Stir in the salt and pepper into the potatoes. Gradually add enough of the reserved chicken broth to achieve a consistency similar to oatmeal.
8. Spread half of the potato mixture evenly over the prepared baking pan.
9. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and layer them over the potato mixture.
10. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the chicken.
11. Cover the onions and chicken with the remaining potato mixture.
12. Bake in the oven until golden brown on top, about 1 hour.
13. Meanwhile, reheat the remaining chicken broth. Serve each slice of pie with a drizzle of hot broth for added flavor.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the top before baking.
• Rappie Pie is best served hot, with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance its richness.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Rappie Pie in your own kitchen—converting basic ingredients into a hearty masterpiece that captures the warm spirit of Newfoundland. Whether you enjoy it as a family tradition or an adventurous new dish, this pie promises comfort in every bite and memories that last a lifetime. Happy cooking!