Traditional Tourtière Recipe: A Hearty Canadian Meat Pie

Tourtière is a beloved French-Canadian meat pie traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, especially on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. With a flaky, buttery crust and a richly seasoned filling made from pork, beef, and warming spices, this dish is perfect for a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re making a Quebec-style tourtière or a variation with regional flair, this hearty dish will warm your soul with every bite.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Number of Servings: 8
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 26g

Ingredients List

For the Pastry Crust:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ tsp salt
• 6-8 tbsp (90-120ml) cold water

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• ½ lb (225g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (125ml) beef or chicken broth
• ½ cup (75g) breadcrumbs
• Optional: ¼ tsp allspice or nutmeg for extra flavor

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

2. Make the Meat Filling:

   • In a large skillet, cook the pork and beef over medium heat until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
   • Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, salt, and black pepper, mixing well. Add the broth and breadcrumbs, stirring until the filling is moist but not soupy. Cook for another 5 minutes and let it cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Tourtière:

   • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to fit a 9-inch (23cm) pie plate. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish.
   • Spoon the meat filling into the pie shell, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

4. Bake the Tourtière:

   • Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water) for a golden finish.
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Crust Perfection: Keep the butter and water cold to ensure a flaky pastry.
• Regional Variations: Some regions in Canada use wild game like venison or add potatoes to the filling. Feel free to experiment with different meats!
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for about 70-80 minutes.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve tourtière with a side of green salad, pickles, or cranberry sauce for a perfect meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the tourtière filling in advance?
Yes! The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the pie when ready to bake.

2. What’s the difference between Quebec-style tourtière and others?
Quebec-style tourtière typically uses a combination of pork and beef, while other versions, like those from Lac-Saint-Jean, may include game meats and potatoes.

3. Can I make this pie without pork?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb if preferred.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover tourtière in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for quick meals.

Tourtière is more than just a meat pie—it’s a delicious slice of Canadian heritage. With its savory filling and flaky crust, this dish is a showstopper whether served at holiday gatherings or as a comforting family dinner. Pair it with a side of cranberry sauce and enjoy every warm, spiced bite. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll want to make it part of your regular meal rotation!