- **Meat**: Ground beef (primary meat choice), pork, or a blend of both for rich flavor
- **Vegetables**: Finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery (commonly known as the "holy trinity")
- **Seasonings**: Bay leaves, cloves, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and sugar (traditional spices that add depth)
- **Pork Fat or Lard**: Optional but enhances moisture in the filling
- **Flour**: Used for the pastry crust
- **Water or Milk**: For the pastry dough to come together smoothly
- **Eggs**: Often used in the egg wash before baking, giving a golden finish
- **Pastry Dough Ingredients**:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Shortening (vegetable or butter)
- Water
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Steps
### How to Make Classic Tourtière: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tourtière is a traditional meat pie from Quebec, Canada, known for its hearty filling of ground meat, usually pork or a mix with beef or wild game like venison. This recipe will guide you through making a classic tourtière that's perfect for special occasions.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (900g) ground pork (or a mixture of pork and beef)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- For the pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Pie dish (9-inch)
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Preparing the Filling:
1. **Cooking Aromatics**: In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. **Adding Vegetables and Meat**: Add the ground meat to the skillet; cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until browned. Drain off excess fat.
3. **Adding Broth and Seasonings**: Stir in the grated carrot, diced potato, peas, broth, salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
#### Making the Pastry:
1. **Mixing Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. **Adding Butter**: Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Adding Water**: Gradually stir in ice water until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
4. **Forming Dough**: Knead lightly on a floured surface and then divide into two equal balls. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
### Assembling the Tourtière:
1. **Rolling Out Pastry**: On a floured surface, roll out one of the chilled pastry balls to fit your pie dish with some extra overhang.
2. **Lining the Dish**: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie dish and trim any excess. Prick the bottom and sides lightly with a fork.
3. **Adding Filling**: Spoon the prepared filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, spreading it evenly.
4. **Top Layer of Pastry**: Roll out the second ball of chilled pastry to fit over the filling, tucking in the edges to seal well. Trim any excess and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative touch.
#### Baking:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Baking Time**: Place the tourtière on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbly.
3. **Cooling**: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
### Serving Tips:
Serve tourtière warm with a side of cranberry sauce, sautéed mushrooms, or a simple salad to complement its rich flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or hard cider for a traditional taste experience.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and authentic tourtière that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy making this classic Canadian treat and share it during special occasions or family gatherings.