How to Make Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere - A Step-by-Step Guide

Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere is a classic savory meat pie that is a staple of French Canadian cuisine. Dating back to the 1600s, this delicious dish has been enjoyed by generations and is a beloved holiday tradition in Quebec and other parts of Canada. Made with a flaky, buttery crust and a hearty filling of ground pork, veal, and warm spices, Tourtiere is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold winter days or special occasions.

The name "Tourtiere" is deriv...

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Ingredients

  • 8 pounds ground pork
  • 8 pounds ground beef
  • 4 cups finely chopped onion
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 ½ tablespoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons allspice
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup liquid chicken seasoning
  • 8 (15 ounce) packages pastry for double-crust pie

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 50 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Servings: 64
  • Yield: 8 tourtieres

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • In a large pot, mix the pork, beef, onion, and water. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and chicken seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Drain liquid from pot into a bowl. Transfer remaining meat mixture to a separate bowl and chill until ready to use. Place bowl with liquid in the refrigerator and chill 1 hour, or until fat has congealed on the surface.
  • Scrape and discard fat from the chilled liquid. Spoon the meat mixture into pie crusts. Add 1 tablespoon of reserved liquid to each pie. (This prevents them from becoming to dry.) Place top crust on top of each pie and pinch edges to seal. Cut slits in top crust so steam can escape.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 50 minutes. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to use.
  • Nutrition

    468 cal.

    • Total Fat: 31g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 71mg
    • Sodium: 588mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 23g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 23g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 22mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 304mg