Originating from the French-Canadian province of Quebec, tourtière is a savory meat pie that has become a beloved dish across Canada. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this classic dish is often enjoyed during the holiday season and special gatherings.
To prepare authentic tourtière, start by gathering the essential ingredients: ground meat (traditionally a combination of pork, beef, and/or veal), onions, garlic, potatoes, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice), and pastry dough for the crust.
Begin by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, add the ground meat to the skillet and cook it until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before proceeding.
Once the meat is cooked, add diced potatoes to the skillet and allow them to cook until they are tender. The potatoes will add texture and heartiness to the filling, complementing the flavors of the meat and spices.
Season the filling generously with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. These aromatic spices add warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing its savory profile.
While the filling simmers, prepare the pastry dough for the crust. You can use store-bought pie dough or make your own from scratch. Roll out the dough and line a pie dish with it, ensuring that there is enough dough to cover the bottom and sides of the dish.
Once the filling is ready, transfer it to the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Cover the filling with another layer of pastry dough, crimping the edges to seal the pie.
Before baking, make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help prevent the pie from becoming too soggy.
Bake the tourtière in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and cooked through. Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Traditionally served with a dollop of ketchup or chutney on the side, tourtière is a comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Canadian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a festive holiday centerpiece or a comforting family meal, this classic meat pie is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.