Tourtière (French Canadian Meat Pie)
Jun 07, 2025 09:42 AM
Few dishes capture the warmth of French-Canadian cuisine quite like the iconic Tourtière – a savory meat pie with a flaky double-crust and a richly spiced meat filling. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade meal, this rustic recipe is sure to impress.
A Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie, originating from the Province of Quebec and typically served during the cold season.
This comforting dish has deep roots in Quebecois culture and is beloved across Canada. You can find Tourtières on dinner tables across Quebec—and on the menus of some of Quebec City’s finest restaurants.
While every family has its own twist on the recipe, the essence remains the same: a golden, buttery crust encasing a rich meat filling, usually made with ground pork, beef, or veal. What makes a Tourtière truly special is its spice blend of cinnamon, clove, ginger and dried herbs, giving the meat filling a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other meat pies.
Tourtière dates back to the early 1600s, introduced to Quebec by French settlers after Samuel de Champlain’s explorations. Over time, it became a beloved staple, especially during holidays, symbolizing family gatherings and tradition.
Ingredients:
For the crust
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup or 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 7 to 8 tbsp ice-cold water
For the filling
- 1 large potato (about 300g), peeled and cut in large chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup (50g) celery, diced
- 1/3 cup (50g) carrot diced
- 1.1 lb (500g) ground pork
- 1.1 lb (500g)ground beef
For the spice blend
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground clove
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
For the eggwash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp (15ml) milk
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
90 minutes
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