Dinner

French Canadian Tourtière

Name: French Canadian Tourtière
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground pork; ½ pound lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ cup water; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 (14.1 ounce) package double-crust pie pastry, thawed

A beloved classic, this traditional French Canadian meat pie, or Tourtière, is a comforting and hearty dish often enjoyed during festive gatherings, especially Revéillon.

Instructions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the ground pork, ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain off any excess fat from the meat mixture.
Stir in the water, salt, dried thyme, ground sage, ground black pepper, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the flavors have melded. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the pie pastry. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a ½-inch overhang.
Pour the cooled meat filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the second half of the pie pastry. Place it over the filling. Trim the edges, leaving a ½-inch overhang. Pinch the top and bottom crusts together to seal, then crimp decoratively.
Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue to bake for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Let the tourtière rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.

Tourtière is a quintessential French Canadian dish, deeply rooted in tradition and often gracing tables during the holiday season. This savory meat pie, typically made with a blend of ground pork and beef, is seasoned with a unique mix of spices that evoke a sense of warmth and heritage. It’s a true taste of home, perfect for sharing with family and friends on a cold winter’s night.