Piccalilli vol-au-vents are a delicious twist on a classic canapé- crisp puff pastry filled with tangy piccalilli dressing, tender ham, and a vibrant sprout slaw. Perfect for parties or festive gatherings!
Preparation time
1-2 hours
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
Serves
Makes 12
By Richard Bainbridge
From Saturday Kitchen
These vol-au-vents score a moderate Nutri-Score of C, balancing the richness of puff pastry with protein-rich ham and nutrient-packed sprouts.
For more information on Nutri-score click here.
Equipment
£5.07 (available from £5.07)
£13.44 (available from £12.77)
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 320g packet of puff pastry:
- 1 free-range egg: beaten
For the sprout slaw
- 4 Brussels sprouts: finely sliced
- 1 chilli: finely chopped
- 1 lime: juice only
- 2–4 fresh sage leaves:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper:
For the filling
- 200g/7oz leftover baked ham or braised ham hock:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage:
- ½ lemon: zest only
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper:
For the piccalilli dressing
- 300ml/½ pint malt vinegar:
- 2 tbsp English mustard powder:
- 1 tbsp ground coriander seeds:
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds:
- 1 tsp ground turmeric:
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds:
- 2 tbsp plain flour:
- 100g/3½oz caster sugar:
- 2 bay leaves:
- Pinch salt:
To garnish (optional)
- Fresh chives: chopped
- Fried sage leaves:
- Pork scratchings:
Method
Prepare the Pastry
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 50p-sized circles. Use a smaller cutter to indent a border.
- Score the inside circle lightly to prevent it from rising excessively.
- Brush with beaten egg and chill for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Bake the pastry circles for 12–16 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then carefully hollow out the centers.
Make the Sprout Slaw
- Mix the sliced Brussels sprouts, chilli, lime juice, and sage leaves in a bowl.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling
- Shred the ham into small and slightly larger pieces.
- Add chopped chives, sage, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper.
- Set aside.
Make the Piccalilli Dressing
- Mix 50ml of vinegar with mustard powder, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin, and flour to form a paste.
- Boil the remaining vinegar with sugar, bay leaves, and salt in a saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in the mustard paste and simmer for 5–6 minutes until thickened.
- Cool and store in a jar for future use.
Assemble the Vol-au-Vents
- Warm the pastry cases in the oven at 170C/150C Fan/Gas 3½ for 2 minutes.
- Fill the base of each case with sprout slaw, then add the ham mixture generously.
- Garnish with chives, fried sage leaves, or pork scratchings as desired.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Majestic: Sancerre Les Calcaires Domaine Fouassier 2020
This Sauvignon Blanc’s bright citrus notes and minerality enhance the tangy piccalilli and sage.
Tesco: Rioja Blanco Vega del Rayo 2022
Its light oakiness and fresh acidity complement the savory ham and delicate pastry.
Sainsbury’s: Vermentino Taste the Difference 2021
Crisp and aromatic, with a hint of herbs, this wine pairs wonderfully with the bold dressing and vibrant slaw.
What can you serve with this
- Seasoned fries: for a hearty side.
- Mixed pickles: to amplify the tanginess.
- Dry cider: a refreshing drink alternative.
Nutri-score Health Check
This recipe earns a Nutri-Score of C. While puff pastry adds indulgence, the dish includes protein-rich ham and a fresh slaw. Use as a guide for balanced eating.
Recipe FAQ
- Can I use pre-made vol-au-vent cases? Yes, they save time and work well.
- What other meats can I use? Roast turkey or chicken are good substitutes.
- How long does the dressing last? Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for several weeks.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Replace ham with roasted vegetables and use vegetable-based stock.
- Can I freeze the vol-au-vent cases? Yes, store baked cases in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- How do I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free puff pastry and omit the flour in the dressing.
- What can I substitute for sprouts? Shredded cabbage works as an alternative.
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