When you think of Canadian cuisine, what comes to mind? Maple syrup, poutine, maybe some Nanaimo bars? While those are certainly delicious, there's one hearty and deeply traditional dish that truly embodies comfort and heritage, especially in French-Canadian culture: Tourtière!
Tourtière
is a savory meat pie, typically made with minced pork, veal, or beef (or a
combination), often seasoned with warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and
allspice. Encased in a flaky pastry crust, it's a staple for holiday
celebrations, family gatherings, and cold winter nights across Canada. Every
family often has its own cherished recipe, passed down through generations.
Why
Tourtière?
This
dish is more than just a pie; it's a piece of history and a symbol of
gathering. It's designed to be substantial, flavorful, and incredibly
satisfying – perfect for feeding a crowd or providing comforting leftovers.
While it takes a little time, the process is straightforward, and the result is
absolutely worth it. Get ready to bring a true taste of Canada into your home!
Classic
Canadian Tourtière (Meat Pie) Recipe
Yields:
6-8 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For
the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon
olive oil or butter
- 1 large
onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves
garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground
pork (or a mix of pork, beef, and/or veal)
- 1/2 cup beef
broth
- 1/2 cup
mashed potato (leftover mashed potato works great, or boil and mash one
small potato)
- 1 teaspoon
salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon
ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon
ground allspice (optional, but recommended)
For
the Pastry:
- 2 pre-made
pie crusts (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 egg,
beaten (for egg wash)
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie
dish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the
Filling: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over
medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent,
about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until
fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground pork (or meat mixture) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon
and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Simmer the
Filling: Stir in the beef broth, mashed potato, salt, black pepper, cinnamon,
cloves, and allspice (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the
heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to
meld and the liquid to be absorbed. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let
cool slightly.
4. Preheat Oven
& Prepare Pie Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a
9-inch pie dish.
5. Assemble the
Tourtière: Roll out one of the pie crusts and carefully place it into the
prepared pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang.
6. Fill the Pie:
Spoon the cooled meat filling evenly into the pie crust.
7. Top the Pie: Roll
out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and
crimp them together with the bottom crust to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in
the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Egg Wash &
Bake: Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg wash. This will give it a
beautiful golden sheen.
o Place the
tourtière on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 15
minutes at 400°F (200°C).
o Reduce the oven
temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 45-60 minutes, or
until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts
to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the edges with foil.
9. Cool & Serve:
Remove the tourtière from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes
before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Serving
Suggestions:
- Classic
Condiments: Tourtière is often served with a dollop of ketchup, chili
sauce, or a simple green salad.
- Sides:
Roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad would be lovely alongside.
There
you have it – a delicious journey into the heart of Canadian comfort food! This
Tourtière is a fantastic way to warm up a chilly evening and share a taste of
tradition with your loved ones. Enjoy!
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