Pennsylvania Dutch Squirrel Or Ham Pot Pie
A hearty Pennsylvania Dutch dish featuring tender squirrel or ham in a savory stew topped with homemade dough squares, perfect for rustic, comforting meals. Suitable for meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roast squirrels or ham and save the broth; pick the meat and discard the bones.
- In an 8-quart stew pot, add the meat, broth, potatoes, and onions.
- Fill the pot half full with water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- While bringing to a boil, prepare the flour and water dough.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares.
- Drop one dough square at a time into the boiling stew.
- Simmer uncovered until the dough and ingredients are fully cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham instead of picnic shoulder. If you don't have squirrels, chicken can be a great substitute, though it will change the traditional flavor. When rolling out the dough, ensure it's evenly thick to maintain consistent cooking times. You can also add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This pot pie is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Laurine'S Waldorf Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth. For a complete meal, consider offering Home-Canned Sweet Pickle Sticks on the side for a tangy complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Squirrel Or Ham Pot Pie contains roughly 367 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of potassium (19% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squirrels or ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meat, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld properly. If using frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I do if I don't have enough broth?
If you're short on broth, simply add more water to the pot. For added flavor, consider using a store-bought chicken or vegetable broth. You can also enhance the taste with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this pot pie?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using hearty vegetables like mushrooms and a variety of root vegetables instead of meat. Use vegetable broth and add more spices to enhance the flavor. This would fit well into vegan recipes if you omit the dough or use a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).