Maple Smoked Tourtière

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie dish, commonly associated with the province of Quebec, particularly enjoyed during the holiday seasons. Historically, this savory pie can trace its roots back to 17th century French settlers in Canada. They utilized local ingredients and meats to create this hearty and comforting pie. Over time, variations emerged using different meats and spices. The version detailed here includes a maple smoke infusion, adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Salt
• Cold water
• Ground pork
• Ground beef
• Potato
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Black pepper
• Maple syrup
• Egg
• Milk

Preparation

Preparing the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Add in butter cubes and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling

1. Boil the potato until tender, then mash and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook ground pork and ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the meat and cook until soft.
4. Stir in thyme, cloves, cinnamon, mashed potato, black pepper, and maple syrup. Simmer for about 30 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
2. Roll out one half of the pastry dough and fit it into a pie dish.
3. Fill with the meat mixture, then roll out the second half of the dough on top to cover.
4. Seal the edges and cut steam vents on top.
5. Brush with a mixture of beaten egg and milk for a golden crust.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes. Use a cooking timer to track the time accurately.

How to Enjoy

Maple Smoked Tourtière can be enjoyed warm, often accompanied by a simple salad or some pickles. The flavor profile is both savory and subtly sweet from the maple syrup. Experience it with a glass of chilled white wine or a full-bodied red for a balanced touch. Whether it's a celebration or a family dinner, the maple smoked tourtière brings about the cozy, hearty flavors reminiscent of Canadian traditions.