Christmas Eve Pork Pie
Description: 🎄🥧 Here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it is a cherished tradition for Catholics to indulge in pork pie on Christmas Eve, a delightful custom that follows the solemnity of Christmas Eve mass. This culinary gem is akin to the revered French-Canadian Tourtiere, boasting a rich heritage and flavors that dance on the palate. While I may not be of the Catholic faith, my heart is won over by these sumptuous pies filled with savory meats, a testament to the joy and unity that food brings during the holiday season.
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Pork 🐖
Keywords: Meat, Canadian, Potluck, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 643.8
- Fat Content: 36.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 71.2mg
- Sodium Content: 436.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 51.6g
- Fiber Content: 4g
- Sugar Content: 1.6g
- Protein Content: 26.1g
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Potatoes |
| 2 | Ground pork |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1/2 | Cup beef broth |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon ginger |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon clove |
| 1/8 | Teaspoon nutmeg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Potatoes:
- Cut up potatoes and cook them in boiling water for approximately 20 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them to a smooth consistency.
-
Cook Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground pork until cooked through, then drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, beef broth, ginger, clove, and nutmeg, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
-
Combine Potatoes and Meat Mixture:
- Once the meat mixture is cooked, stir in the mashed potatoes until thoroughly combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
-
Prepare Pastry:
- Roll out half of the pastry dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with the rolled-out pastry dough, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
- Trim any excess dough, leaving a clean edge around the rim of the pie plate.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the cooled meat and potato mixture into the pastry-lined pie plate, spreading it out evenly.
- Roll out the remaining pastry dough and create slits to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the rolled-out pastry dough over the filling, ensuring it covers the pie completely.
- Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang, then seal and flute the edges to create a decorative finish.
-
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Christmas Eve Pork Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of this delectable pie warm, alongside your favorite holiday accompaniments, and savor the festive flavors that make this dish a beloved tradition in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
This Christmas Eve Pork Pie is not only a delightful addition to any holiday table but also a heartfelt homage to the culinary heritage and traditions that bring joy and togetherness during this special time of year. Whether enjoyed by Catholics as part of their Christmas Eve celebration or by food enthusiasts seeking a taste of culinary history, this savory pie is sure to become a cherished favorite for years to come.
