When the outside wind is blowing cold, and the skies are dark and gray, we’re staying warm with Chicken Pot Pie. For this comforting dish, we stir a smooth and creamy mixture made from Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese with a savory blend of veggies, chicken, and spices. More than just a powerhouse of probiotics, Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese are versatile ingredients that bring your recipes to the next level. Here, they add to the richness of this dish, making a full and hearty meal where each spoonful warms you to the bone.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 30 mins Servings: 2-4Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 3 stalks of celery
- 2 large carrots
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 2 tbsp. minced scallions
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. arrowroot starch or potato starch
- 2 cups diced, cooked chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cup Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 1/4 cup Farmer Cheese
- 2 12-ounce sheets of puff pastry
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. additional melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Sauté the butter, celery, carrots, minced garlic, and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and caramelized.
- Add the mixture into a large bowl, and add in the garlic salt, sea salt, scallions, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Stir in the arrowroot starch or potato starch until thick and creamy.
- In a small food processor or blender, add Lifeway Kefir, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese, and purée until combined. Add this to the bowl above and fold in the cooked chicken. and stir well again until thick and creamy.
- Spray your ramekins with non-stick spray and place on a large baking sheet. Add some of the mixture to each ramekin, making sure each one is about 1/2 an inch from the top.
- Cut the pieces of pastry into sheets and place some over the top. Trim off any extra if needed. In a small bowl, mix the egg and melted butter. Brush over the top with a pastry brush.
- Place in the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes until bubbly. Make sure the tops of the pastry sheet are golden brown before removing.
