Taste of Canada: The Ultimate Tourtière (Meat Pie)!

  

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!

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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.

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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.

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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!