How to Cook Tourtière: A Festive Canadian Delight

Are you looking to enhance your festive menu with a classic dish? Tourtière is a traditional Canadian meat pie from Quebec. This savory pastry is enjoyed during the holidays, particularly on Christmas and New Year's Eve. With its rich flavors, Tourtière is a highlight of holiday feasts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this classic dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Tourtière:

• 1 pound of ground pork
• ½ pound of ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ½ cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 ready-made pie crusts (top and bottom)
• 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork and beef over medium heat until browned. Break up any lumps with a spatula.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Stir in the breadcrumbs to bind the filling and absorb excess liquid. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
8. Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts, pressing it against the sides and bottom.
9. Fill the pie crust with the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
10. Place the second pie crust on top. Crimp the edges to seal the pie.
11. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden color.
12. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
14. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
15. Serve the Tourtière warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

Tourtière is a hearty dish that will impress your family and friends. Celebrate the holidays with this traditional Canadian meat pie. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!