2 cups russet potatoes – peeled and diced 0.5-inch
1 tsp fresh thyme – chopped
1 leaf bay leaf
1.25 tsp kosher salt
0.75 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
1 cups frozen peas
1 large egg – beaten
1 tbsp water
2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (for serving)
Instructions
Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk together 1.25 cups all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp kosher salt. Cut in 0.5 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-size bits. Drizzle in 4 tbsp ice water, tossing just until the dough holds together; form into a disk, wrap, and chill until firm, 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a deep 9-inch pie dish or 10-inch oven-safe skillet on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.
Start the filling: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 cups diced yellow onion, 1.5 cups sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced celery; cook, stirring, until softened, 6–8 minutes. Stir in 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and concentrate, 5–7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
Make the roux: Sprinkle 0.5 cup all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is absorbed and slightly nutty, 2–3 minutes.
Build the sauce: Gradually whisk in 3 cups vegetable broth, then 1 cup whole milk, smoothing out any lumps. Add 2 cups peeled, 0.5-inch diced russet potatoes, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are just tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly, 10–12 minutes. Season with 1.25 tsp kosher salt and 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat.
Finish the filling: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas. Discard the bay leaf and let the filling cool 10 minutes to slightly thicken.
Assemble: Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Pour the vegetable filling into the prepared dish. Drape the dough over the top, trim excess to a 1-inch overhang, tuck and crimp the edge. Cut 4–6 small slits in the top to vent.
Make egg wash by mixing 1 beaten large egg with 1 tbsp water, then brush over the crust. Bake at 400°F until the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling in the center, 35–45 minutes.
Rest 10–15 minutes to set the juices. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for serving), slice, and serve warm.