Prepare to embark on a gastronomic voyage as we delve into the heartwarming world of French Canadian comfort with our star of the show – Tourtière. Bursting with savory goodness, this traditional meat pie from Quebec is not just a dish; it’s a culinary embrace, offering affordable elegance and ease in every bite. Join us on this flavorful journey as we recreate the magic with an allrecipes.com-inspired Tourtière recipe that’s bound to become a cherished holiday tradition.
In this Tourtière journey, we’ve captured the essence of Quebecois comfort, a melody of flavors that transcends time. Inspired by the culinary wonders of allrecipes.com, this recipe is more than a mere collection of ingredients; it’s an invitation to savor tradition, create memories, and celebrate the joy of good food with loved ones. So, gather around the table, indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors, and let this Tourtière be the pièce de résistance at your festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Flaky Crust:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 sticks unsalted butter, sliced and frozen
1 teaspoon kosher salt
7 tablespoons ice-cold water
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
Crafting the Spice Symphony:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
1 pinch cayenne pepper
For the Filling that Speaks Volumes:
1 large russet potato, peeled and quartered
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 pinch salt
½ cup finely diced celery
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup potato cooking water (and a bit more if needed)
Glistening Egg Wash:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Directions:
1. Crafting the Dreamy Crust:
Begin this culinary escapade by blending flour, frozen butter, and salt in a food processor until the mixture dances into pea-sized perfection. Drizzle in the ice-cold water and vinegar, pulsing until you have a crumbly symphony. After transferring the mixture to a work surface, shape it into a ball, flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for a tantalizing hour.
2. Conjuring the Spice Symphony:
In a small bowl, weave together the enchanting spice blend that includes thyme, sage, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves. Set aside; it’s the secret to our Tourtière’s symphony of flavors.
3. Filling the Narrative:
Boil the russet potato with a touch of salt until tender, reserving that precious potato cooking water. Mash the potatoes to creamy perfection. In a skillet, sauté onions until golden, adding celery, garlic, and our spice blend. Introduce the ground beef and potato cooking water, allowing it to simmer until browned and tender. Finally, fold in the mashed potatoes, and let this flavorful narrative cool to room temperature.
4. Assembling the Epicurean Masterpiece:
Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into two pieces, with one slightly larger. Lay the larger piece in a deep-dish pie plate. Now, it’s time for the grand assembly – fill the crust with the hearty meat mixture and crown it with the smaller rolled-out dough. Seal the edges, trim any excess, crimp like a pro, and create those essential steam-escapade slits. Achieve the golden glow by brushing the entire pie with our egg wash.
5. Baking Bliss and Culinary Revelry:
Allow this masterpiece to bake in the preheated oven for approximately an hour or until the crust achieves that perfect golden brown. Patience is a virtue; let your Tourtière cool to almost room temperature before serving, and let the culinary revelry commence.
