🍽️ Savor the Tradition with Tourtière – A French Canadian Delight!
Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey with Tourtière, a cherished dish among French Canadians pronounced as “tort-ee-air.” This savory pie, deeply rooted in tradition, holds the essence of Canadian and European flavors, making it an ideal choice for Christmas gatherings or weeknight feasts. The luscious blend of ground pork, savory spices, and a flaky crust will surely transport your taste buds to a world of delectable delight.
Cooking Times:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 45 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 🍰
- 1/3 cup butter 🧈
- 1/4 cup lard (for authentic experience) or use butter 🧈
- 1/4 cup ice water 🧊
- 1 1/2 cups ground pork 🐖
- 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 2 teaspoons dried savory 🌿
- 1 ground cloves ☕
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup water 💦
- 1 allspice 🍂
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 bay leaf 🍃
- 1 potato, mashed 🥔
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 640.6
- Fat: 43.6g
- Saturated Fat: 18.4g
- Cholesterol: 112.9mg
- Sodium: 926.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.7g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 24.1g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pastry: Begin by sifting 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. With your fingertips, artfully cut in 1/4 cup of lard (for the authentic touch) or butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in 1/4 cup of ice water, forming a ball. Wrap it in waxed paper and let it chill for 30 minutes.
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Craft the Filling: In a pot, combine 1 1/2 cups of ground pork, finely chopped onion, 2 teaspoons of dried savory, 1 ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon each of pepper and salt, 1 cup of water, allspice, dried thyme, and a half bay leaf. Let this symphony of flavors simmer, covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pork reaches a delicious doneness.
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Perfect the Filling: Introduce the mashed potato to the mixture, ensuring a lump-free integration. Taste for seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or spices as your taste buds desire. Let it cool to let the flavors meld beautifully.
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Preheat and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Divide the pastry in half and roll out one part to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate. Fill it generously with the savory pork mixture. Cover it artfully with the remaining pastry, creating a visually appealing pie. Make three or four incisions on the pastry’s top, allowing the aromatic steam to gracefully escape.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your creation in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes or until the pastry achieves a golden hue that promises a flaky, buttery delight. Allow the enticing aroma to fill your kitchen.
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Serve with Warmth: Bring your Tourtière masterpiece to the table, radiating warmth and tradition. Slice into the golden crust, revealing the savory filling. Traditionally served with pickled beets or other pickles and a fresh salad, the flavors dance harmoniously on your palate.
Conclusion:
With Tourtière, you’ve not just crafted a meal; you’ve woven a tale of tradition and flavors. This French Canadian masterpiece is a testament to the culinary heritage, inviting you to savor each bite with the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of shared moments. Bon appétit! 🥧✨
