Classic French Canadian Tourtière with Savory Meat Filling
Experience the rich culinary heritage of French Canada with this traditional tourtière, a deliciously savory meat pie that has been lovingly passed down through generations. Originating from Quebec, this recipe captures the essence of home cooking with a flavorful mix of ground pork and beef, aromatic spices, and creamy mashed potatoes all nestled inside a flaky pie crust. Traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve, this dish not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, creating cherished family memories around the holiday table. Serve it up with robust beef gravy and sweet petite pois for a delightful harmony of flavors that will make any gathering festive.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground pork
1/2 lb (raw)
ground beef or veal
1/2 lb (raw)
chicken stock
1/2 cup (liquid)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
ground sage
1 teaspoon (dried)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
mashed potatoes
2 cups (no butter or milk added)
pie crusts
2 (9 inch) (unbaked, can be store bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the ground pork, ground beef or veal, chicken stock, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, ground sage, and ground allspice.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cooking for approximately 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally until the meat is cooked through and loses its pink color.
3
Stir in the mashed potatoes into the meat mixture until combined. Set aside the filling and allow it to cool for at least two hours to help it set.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare the first pie crust by pressing it into a 9-inch pie dish.
5
Once the filling has cooled, spoon it into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover with the second pie crust. Crimp the edges together to seal and optionally brush the top with an egg wash or milk for a golden finish.
7
Cut a small hole (about the size of a dime) in the center of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8
Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the tourtière to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving with beef gravy and petite pois. For early preparations, you can freeze it after it begins to brown, then reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, allowing it to sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a French Canadian Tourtiere?
It is a traditional savory meat pie from Quebec that is often passed down through generations.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from Quebec, Canada, and represents the region's rich culinary heritage.
What is the traditional occasion for serving this pie?
Tourtiere is traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve as part of a festive holiday meal.
What are the main meats in the filling?
The filling consists of a flavorful mix of ground pork and ground beef or ground veal.
What aromatic spices are used?
The recipe calls for ground sage and ground allspice to create its signature savory flavor profile.
What role do mashed potatoes play in the recipe?
Mashed potatoes are stirred into the meat mixture to help bind the filling together and provide a creamy texture.
How should the mashed potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be mashed without any added butter or milk for this specific recipe.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The meat mixture should simmer for approximately 30 minutes uncovered.
Should the meat be covered while simmering?
No, the meat should be cooked uncovered to allow the flavors to concentrate and liquid to reduce.
What type of stock is used for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chicken stock to cook the meat.
How long must the filling cool before assembly?
The filling needs to cool for at least two hours to help it set properly before being added to the crust.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
What size pie dish should be used?
A standard 9-inch pie dish is required for this recipe.
Can I use pre-made pie crusts?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade unbaked 9-inch pie crusts.
How do you seal the top and bottom crusts?
You should crimp the edges of the two crusts together to ensure a tight seal.
How do you achieve a golden finish on the crust?
Optionally brush the top crust with an egg wash or milk before putting it in the oven.
Is it necessary to vent the pie?
Yes, you should cut a small hole about the size of a dime in the center of the crust to allow steam to escape.
How long does the Tourtiere bake?
The pie should bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the crust reaches the desired color.
How long should the pie rest after taking it out of the oven?
It is recommended to let the Tourtiere cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
What are the recommended serving accompaniments?
This dish is best served with robust beef gravy and sweet petite pois.
Can this meat pie be frozen for later?
Yes, for early preparation, you can freeze the pie after it begins to brown.
At what temperature should you reheat a frozen Tourtiere?
To reheat, place the frozen pie in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long does the reheating process take?
The pie should be reheated for 15 minutes and then allowed to sit for 5 minutes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What kind of garlic is used?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic that has been crushed.
Can veal be used in this recipe?
Yes, ground veal can be used as a substitute for ground beef in the filling.
What category of food does this dish fall under?
It falls under the category of Savory Pies.
What is the final visual sign that the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the top crust has turned a golden brown color.
Why must the filling be cooled before putting it in the crust?
Cooling for at least two hours helps the filling set and prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains a total of 10 ingredients including the crusts and seasonings.