Tourtière is a traditional Canadian meat pie, highly popular in Quebec and often relished during the holiday season, particularly on Christmas Eve. This dish boasts numerous regional variations, and many families have their closely guarded secret recipes. You can savor its simple instructions with our customized spice blend and explore a multitude of variation in this online recipe.
Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves, marjoram, thyme
Suggested Sides
Fruit chutney [5] or ketchup
Cooked or roasted vegetables (zucchini, Brussels sprouts, cole, or root vegetables) or mashed peas
Salad: corn, mixed beans, or beetroot
Instructions
Potatoes
Boil the potatoes, drain well, and mash them [2].
Filling
In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over low to medium heat.
Add onions and optional celery [3]. Cook until soft but not brown.
Add meat and Tourtière spices. Season with salt & pepper to taste.Stir to crumble the meat as it cooks.Add 1/8 cup of water [6] to prevent the meat from browning.
Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook about 10 minutes until the meat is done. Stir occasionally and add a bit of water if necessary. The filling should be moist but not watery.
Then, add the potatoes and optionally, parsley. Mix well.
Assembly
Line a 9-inch greased PIE DISH with one pastry sheet.
Spread the filling on top.
Place the other pastry sheet over the filling, and seal and crimp the edges of the pie.
Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow the steam to escape.
Cover the edges with small strips of ALUMINUM FOIL to prevent it from burning.
Bake
Preheat the OVEN to 450°F. Bake for 10 minutes.
Reduce temperature to 350ºF. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the crust turns golden.
Serve
Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve it with your preferred sides.Enjoy!
Notes
[1] Beef, or pork, or veal, or mixed.
Vegetarian: 1 cup cooked black lentils and 8 oz chopped mushrooms.
[2] Optionally:
Peel the potatoes.
Cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and skip the mashing.
[3] Recommended, but optionally: add the celery, 2 cloves garlic (chopped), and/or 1 cup of other small cut vegetables.