Description
Tourtière (Meat Pie)
Ingredients
1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 medium potato (peeled, boiled, and mashed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pie crusts (top and bottom)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Directions
In a large skillet, cook ground pork and beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in beef broth, mashed potato, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a pie dish with one pie crust.
Fill the crust with the meat mixture. Cover with the second crust, sealing the edges. Cut small slits in the top crust to vent.
Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Tourtière. First, ensure your potato is boiled and mashed until completely smooth—no lumps. In your skillet, brown the meats thoroughly, breaking them into very fine crumbles for the traditional texture. After draining the fat, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant but not browned. When adding the broth and spices, simmer the mixture until it is cohesive and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes. Let the filling cool for 15 minutes before filling the pie shell to prevent a soggy bottom crust. When applying the top crust, crimp the edges firmly with a fork. The egg wash is essential; apply it evenly for a deep golden, glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Tourtière is a centerpiece dish. Serve warm slices with a bright, acidic side to cut the richness. Classic pairings include a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette, homemade pickled beets, or a tangy tomato chutney. For a traditional Québecois experience, serve with a side of ketchup aux fruits (fruit ketchup) or a dollop of spicy mustard. It pairs beautifully with a robust red wine or a dark beer.
How-to Summary
To summarize: brown and drain the meats, soften aromatics, simmer with broth, potato, and spices, cool, fill a pie crust, seal with a top crust, vent, egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden. Let it rest before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tourtière ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the time.
What can I use instead of ground pork? Ground veal or a mix of veal and pork is traditional. For a different twist, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but the flavor and fat content will be lighter.
Why is mashed potato added to the filling? The potato acts as a binder, absorbing juices and creating the signature dense, cohesive texture that slices cleanly.
My bottom crust was soggy. How can I prevent this? Ensure the filling is completely cooled before assembling. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Is the spice blend negotiable? The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are defining flavors. For authenticity, do not omit them, but you can reduce the amounts slightly to suit your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1) Using filling that is too hot, which steams the crust. 2) Not draining excess fat from the meat, leading to a greasy pie. 3) Overlooking the simmering step, which is crucial for flavor melding and texture. 4) Forgetting to vent the top crust, causing steam to build up and split the seams. 5) Slicing the pie immediately after baking; letting it rest for 15 minutes allows the filling to set.
Conclusion
This Tourtière recipe delivers the heartwarming, spiced flavors of a cherished Canadian tradition. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common errors, you can create a stunning savory pie perfect for holidays or any cozy dinner. Its make-ahead flexibility and satisfying depth of flavor make it a reliable favorite worth adding to your culinary repertoire.