Tourtiere: A French Canadian Meat Pie Recipe.

                                        

Tourtière: A French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe

Tourtière, also known as pork pie or meat pie, is a combination of ground meat, onions, spices, and herbs baked in a traditional piecrust.Course: Main Course 

Ingredients

Pastry

• 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2/3 cup butter or lard
• 6-7 tablespoons cold water

Filling

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic finely minced
• 2 large potatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg scrambled for glazing

Directions

Prepare the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine flour with the salt. Cut in butter or lard until mixture is a roughly even crumbly texture. Add water and blend just until dough comes together.
2. Shape into a rough disc, wrap and chill in the refrigerator. While pastry is chilling, prepare filling.

Prepare the Filling

Cook potatoes in a pot of water until tender, about 12 minutes. Reserve 1/2-cup of potato water and drain the rest. Mash potatoes and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the onion, garlic beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off excess fat. 

Combine the seasonings in a small bowl and add to the meat mixture in the skillet.

Add the reserved potato water. Mix in well and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. 

Remove the pan from heat, stir in mashed potatoes, and set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C

On a lightly floured board, roll your dough into a ball, and divide into halves.  Place the one half into the refrigerator while rolling the other half into a twelve in circle to fit a 9" pie plate.

Place the pastry into the pie plate and add the meat filling.

Brush around the outer edge of the pastry with the beaten egg. Roll out the top pastry and place on top of the filling.

Fold the top crust under the bottom crust and pinch or flute the edges. Brush with egg wash and cut vent holes.

Bake in a preheated over for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Remove the tourtière from oven and let it cool at least 10 minutes before serving. 

Yield: Makes 1 pie, about 8 servings.