Lucie Forget’s Tourtiere Recipe 🥧
Description:
Lucie Forget’s Tourtiere is a savory Canadian classic, brought to you by a Franco Ontarian cook with a knack for traditional flavors. This recipe has been passed down from a dear friend and is perfect for festive occasions or cozy weeknight dinners. With a rich, aromatic filling encased in a flaky crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to pair it with Lucie’s 7-Up Pie Crust for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 lbs ground meat
- 2 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup minced garlic cloves
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 allspice berries
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup water
- Lucie’s 7-Up Pie Crust (idiot proof pastry recipe)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 378.4
- Fat: 21.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 80.7mg
- Sodium: 186.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.6g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 21.6g
Yield:
- Makes 3 meat pies, serving 8 each
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pot, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, diced potatoes, minced garlic, whole cloves, allspice berries, dried sage, and black pepper.
- Mix everything well, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour in the water, adding enough to cover the mixture completely.
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Cook the Filling:
- Bring the mixture to a brisk boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for at least 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. Remember, the longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will be.
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Strain and Set Aside:
- After simmering, strain out the meat mixture from the liquid and set it aside in a bowl.
- Allow the meat mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Prepare the Bouillon:
- Don’t discard the liquid! It makes a fantastic bouillon for soups.
- Let the liquid cool completely, then refrigerate it for a couple of days. This allows the fat to congeal on the surface, making it easier to remove.
- Once the fat is removed, the bouillon can be used as a flavorful base for soups. It can also be frozen for future use.
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Assemble the Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pie crust dough and line three pie dishes with the bottom crusts.
- Divide the cooled meat mixture evenly among the pie shells, filling each about one-third full.
- Cover the pies with the top crusts, sealing the edges by crimping them together with a fork.
- Make a few slits in the top crusts to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Bake the Pies:
- Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg, especially around the edges, for a golden finish.
- Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remember to rotate the pies halfway through baking to ensure even browning and to prevent any edges from burning.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Lucie Forget’s Tourtiere is best enjoyed warm, served with your favorite sides or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- For a traditional touch, serve Lucie Forget’s Tourtiere with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a side of pickles.
- Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight for even more flavorful results.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme or nutmeg, to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Canadian dish straight from Lucie’s kitchen! 🇨🇦
