Tourtieres

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Tourtières, a traditional meat pie that transports Rita Winterberger from Huson, Montana, back to her grandmother’s kitchen. After encountering the familiar aroma and taste at a co-worker’s lunch, she was delighted to learn that it was the same pie her grandmother used to make. This cherished family recipe features a savory filling of ground beef, ground pork, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and aromatic spices. Encased in flaky pastry, these individual meat pies are baked until golden brown, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that evokes memories of loved ones and cherished traditions.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 pounds ground pork
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Pastry for two double-crust pies (9 inches)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

PREPARATION:

1. In a Dutch oven, sauté the onions in oil until tender. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cooked onions, frozen mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, ground allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Line two 9-inch pie plates with bottom crusts, trimming the pastry even with the edges of the plates.
5. Divide the filling evenly, filling each pie plate with about 5 cups of the meat mixture.
6. Roll out the remaining pastry and place it over the filling, trimming, sealing, and fluting the edges.
7. Cut slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops of the pies with the lightly beaten egg.
8. Bake the pies at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

YIELD: Makes 2 pies (8 servings each)

PREP/BAKE TIME: 20 minutes preparation, 30 minutes baking time

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Tourtières are often enjoyed during the holiday season, particularly in French-Canadian cuisine and in the regions of Quebec and New England. They are commonly served on Christmas Eve.
• The frozen mixed vegetables can be a combination of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans, but feel free to use your preferred assortment.
• Serve Tourtières with a side of cranberry sauce, mustard, or chutney for a delightful accompaniment.

TIPS:

• Make the mashed potatoes in advance to speed up the preparation process.
• To ensure a flaky and golden crust, preheat the oven and place the pie on the bottom rack for the first 15 minutes of baking, then move it to the center rack for the remaining time.
• Leftover Tourtière can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold for a delicious snack.

Embrace the flavors of tradition with Tourtières, a treasured meat pie recipe passed down through generations. Rita Winterberger’s discovery of her grandmother’s beloved pie at a co-worker’s lunch led her to recreate the same delicious dish. This classic recipe combines ground beef, ground pork, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and aromatic spices, encased in a flaky double-crust pastry. Baked until golden brown, these savory meat pies are filled with nostalgic flavors that evoke memories of family and cherished times. Enjoy Tourtières during the holiday season or any time you crave a comforting and satisfying meal that celebrates heritage and tradition.