Classic Tourtière (French-Canadian Meat Pie)

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie, often enjoyed during the holiday season. This savory pie combines seasoned pork and beef with fragrant spices like cloves and allspice, giving it a warm, aromatic flavor. The added mashed potatoes not only bring a creamy texture but also help bind the filling, while a buttery double crust holds everything together in golden perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy winter meal!

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground pork
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup beef broth or beef stock
• 1-2 tablespoons bread crumbs, if needed

For the Crust:

• 1 double 9-inch pie crust
• Optional: 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• In a medium pot, bring the cubed potato to a boil in salted water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until tender, then drain and mash thoroughly. Set aside.

1. Cook the Meat Mixture:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, pork, onion, and garlic until fully cooked, breaking up any large pieces. Stir in the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, allspice, and cloves.
• Add the mashed potatoes and beef broth to the skillet, mixing well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, until thickened. If the mixture is too loose, add 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind it. Cool the filling for about 20 minutes.

1. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a deep-dish pie plate with the bottom crust. Spoon in the cooled meat mixture, spreading it evenly. Place the top crust over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
• For a golden finish, whisk together the egg and water and brush this over the top crust.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Tourtière

• Cooling the Filling: Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust. This prevents a soggy crust and helps the flavors meld together.
• Spice Variations: If you like a more pronounced spice flavor, increase the allspice and cloves slightly.
• Crust Options: A homemade or store-bought pie crust works well. For an extra-flaky texture, try using a puff pastry top.

This hearty and flavorful meat pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with tangy ketchup, a bit of relish, or a side salad. Enjoy this taste of French-Canadian heritage!