Québécois Pork Tourtière with Spices
A savory meat pie deeply rooted in Quebecois tradition, this tourtière features a rich pork filling seasoned with a blend of warming spices, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cold unsalted butter(cubed)
- 0.5 cup Ice water(approx.)
- 1 kg Ground pork
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 cup Pork broth or water
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
- 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Ground allspice
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the pastry: Pulse flour and butter in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add ice water until dough just comes together. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
For the filling: In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Stir in pork broth, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough and line a 9-inch pie plate. Trim excess dough.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Pour the pork filling into the pastry-lined dish. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Crimp edges to seal and cut vents in the top crust.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Brush the top crust with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
⏱️ 1 hour💡 Tip: If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. - 7
Let the tourtière rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
⏱️ 20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of pork and beef can add depth of flavor.
- ✓Ensure the filling is not too wet, as this can make the bottom crust soggy.
- ✓Allowing the tourtière to rest is crucial for the filling to set.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely diced potatoes to the filling for a heartier pie.
- Incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami.