Tourtière

The Tourtière, a traditional French-Canadian dish that's often referred to as a "meat pie," is a delightful culinary staple. This savory and hearty dish is usually served during the winter months and has been delighting hungry bellies for centuries. By combining the best of both French and Canadian cuisines, the Tourtière is an amalgam of culinary excellence.

Tourtière


Its history starts in 16th century France, where layers of dough were filled with a variety of meats - such as pork, veal or beef - along with onions and spices. These pies were known as pâté à la viande, and they became extremely popular among the country’s population. When French settlers settled in Canada, they brought their beloved recipes along with them. The local natives also had their own dishes, which included different types of ground meats and various spices. The French settlers took these recipes and combined them with their traditional ones, thus creating the modern-day Tourtière.

Today, the Tourtière continues to be an integral part of the cultural heritage of Quebec and the other French-Canadian provinces. During the holiday season, it will often be served at holiday gatherings and special events. Although the recipe may vary from region to region, it usually consists of a flaky pastry shell filled with a mixture of ground pork, veal, beef, potatoes, onions and various spices. Sometimes, additional ingredients such as cabbage, turnips, mushrooms, carrots, celery, apples and even raisins are added to give it an added dimension of flavor.

No matter what type of Tourtière you taste, you can count on it to bring joy to hungry stomachs everywhere. Whether you’re a Francophone or Anglophone; a fan of hearty dishes or not, this savory and flavorful pie will always leave a lasting impression. Bon appétit!

Tourtière recipes

Amazing Tourtière recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Tourtière

Tourtière, the iconic Canadian staple dish, has a considerable history, with origins that range from France to Quebec and expand across many culinary customs.

Originally crafted in the Middle Ages, Tourtière was a simple game pie created with a variety of meats such as rabbit, poultry, and boar, along with apples and spices for flavor. The original recipes were likely influenced by a Spanish dish, cocido montañés, which utilized the same ingredients. It is believed that the French adapted this recipe while they explored and colonized North America, eventually making its way to New France and later, Quebec.

As the dish traveled, it evolved and was tailored to the local customs and ingredients available. For example, when the French cooking techniques and ingredients arrived in Québec, the locals embraced it and began to add ingredients native to the region, like wild leeks and fiddleheads, as well as the use of Acadian spices. This adaptation gave the classic French pie a unique taste and texture, with distinct regional characteristics that still remain today.

In addition to the flavors, the presentation of the dish also evolved over time. Originally, Tourtière was served as a single large tart, but as it spread across the region, it was adapted to become more like a meat pie. This adaptation was popular due to its ease of consumption, as each person could enjoy their own individual portion.

To this day, Tourtière remains one of the most beloved dishes in Canada, and continues to be cherished for its combination of comforting flavors and ease of preparation. Its successful journey through various regions, generations, and cultures is remarkable, making Tourtière a powerful symbol of Canadian culture and heritage.

FAQs about Tourtière

What does tourtière mean in English?

Tourtière is a French-Canadian meat pie traditionally made with ground pork, beef, or veal, and a variety of spices. It often includes onions, cloves, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices, and it is usually served with ketchup, mustard, or relish on the side.


What is the difference between meat pie and tourtière?

Meat pie and tourtière are both savory dishes made with a pastry shell filled with cooked meat, vegetables, and spices. The main difference between the two is that a meat pie is typically made with minced or ground beef, while a tourtière is traditionally made with ground pork. Tourtières also typically include potatoes, onions, and herbs like thyme or sage, and are sometimes served with a side of ketchup or other condiments.


What is tourtière pie made of?

Tourtière is a traditional Canadian meat pie made with a variety of ground meats, such as pork, veal, beef, and sometimes game. The filling is seasoned with spices like allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is often served with ketchup or other condiments.


What is usually served with tourtière?

Tourtière is typically served with ketchup, hot sauce, or mustard. It can also be served with a side of coleslaw, pickles, and/or roasted vegetables.


Tourtière videos

Types of Tourtière

but don’t sound pretentious

Tourtière; a beloved Quebecois dish with a long and storied past. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, tourtière encompasses an abundance of flavors, textures, and variations that have been passed down through generations. While the dish is steeped in tradition, these days, tourtière can come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, making it versatile enough to please even the pickiest of eaters.

At its core, tourtière is traditionally made of minced meat, potatoes, onions and spices cooked within a pie crust. The type of filling generally varies from region to region, with popular recipes incorporating pork, veal, beef, and game meats like venison or rabbit. The specific spices used also vary, with some recipes utilizing allspice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and other common herbs and seasonings.

The original tourtière has become so familiar that it is easy to overlook the plethora of modern variants on the classic dish. In rural parts of Québec, it’s not uncommon to find versions that make use of fish, wild mushrooms, and other local ingredients. Vegetarian recipes that utilize lentils, black beans, and hearty vegetables are becoming increasingly popular. And in the city, it’s not uncommon to find even more unique takes on the classic, with chefs often blending contemporary flavors and presentation styles into the mix.

No matter the variation, one thing remains true: tourtière is always served with a side of ketchup. This condiment, which seems to defy culinary convention, is a beloved part of Québécois cuisine. Every individual has their own unique recipe, with some adding a bit of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and even allspice for added flavor.

Tourtière is a signature dish that is deeply rooted in Québécois culture. Whether it’s the classic version, or one of its many modern incarnations, it holds an undeniable place in people’s hearts. Its versatility and timeless appeal make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties. So, whether you’re from the area or just visiting, why not give this beloved dish a try and experience the flavor of Quebec for yourself?