Boreal Bison Tourtière

Introduction to Boreal Bison Tourtière

The Boreal Bison Tourtière is an exquisite take on a traditional Canadian dish, deeply rooted in Quebecois culture. Tourtière, a spiced meat pie, dates back to as early as the 1600s, originally made with wild game meats. The twist of using bison captures the essence of the boreal forests and prairies where bison once roamed freely. This pie is perfect for festive occasions, evoking the spirit of communal gatherings during the long, cold winters.

Ingredients

• Bison - 500 grams, minced
• Pork - 250 grams, minced
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Potato - 1 large, peeled and diced
• Carrot - 1 large, peeled and diced
• Celery - 2 stalks, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Sage - 1/2 teaspoon, dried
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon, ground
• Clove - 1/4 teaspoon, ground
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Salt - to taste
• Pastry - for a double-crust pie
• Egg - 1, for egg wash

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bison and pork. Cook the meat until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Make sure to brown it evenly for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, potato, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, and cook until vegetables are soft, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Seasoning

Season the mixture with thyme, sage, allspice, clove, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and ensure the spices are well integrated into the mixture.

Assembly

Prepare the Pastry

Roll out half of the pastry and line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.

Add Filling

Fill the pastry with the cooked bison and vegetable mixture, pressing it down with a spoon to compact it.

Cover with Pastry

Roll out the remaining pastry and cover the pie. Trim the excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pie to give it a glossy finish.

Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tourtière in the center of the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can use a cooking timer to monitor the baking time. Once baked, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Enjoying Boreal Bison Tourtière

Slice and serve the Boreal Bison Tourtière warm, pairing it with a red wine or a dark ale to enhance the deep flavors of the dish. Accompany with a side of pickled beets or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

This savory pie is perfect for holiday dinners or cozy winter evenings, embodying the heartiness of traditional Canadian cuisine. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of the Boreal Bison Tourtière, a meal that tells a story with each bite.