Indulge in the savory flavors of Canada with our Maple-Infused Tourtière, a traditional French-Canadian meat pie hailing from the cozy kitchens of Quebec. Handcrafted with care, this flaky pastry crust encases a rich medley of ground pork, beef, and aromatic spices, all elevated with a touch of pure Canadian maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, reminiscent of quaint Canadian villages and cherished family gatherings. Whether served as a holiday centerpiece or enjoyed as a comforting meal any time of the year, our Canadian Tourtière is a delicious homage to the heart and soul of Canadian cuisine.

Here's a classic recipe for Canadian Tourtière:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

3- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground pork and beef over medium heat until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.

2- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3- Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and thyme, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4- Pour in the beef or chicken broth, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the filling is thickened.

5- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Tourtière:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disk of pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled-out dough into the pie dish.

2- Spoon the cooled meat filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

3- Roll out the second disk of pie dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

4- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake the Tourtière:

1- Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

2- Remove from the oven and let the Tourtière cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Canadian Tourtière with your favorite accompaniments, such as cranberry sauce or gravy!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Tourtière recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on brands and specific ingredients used, so it's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the packaging when available:

For the Pie Crust:

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 910
• Total Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 190g
• Protein: 26g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein for muscle repair and growth.

Unsalted butter (1 cup):

• Calories: 1628
• Total Fat: 184g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:a source of fat for energy and adds richness and flakiness to the crust.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds flavor and helps to enhance the overall taste of the crust.

Ice water (6-8 tablespoons):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Helps bind the dough together without melting the butter, contributing to the flakiness of the crust.

For the Filling:

Ground pork (1 pound):

• Calories: 1280
• Total Fat: 104g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 88g

benefits: a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Ground beef (1/2 pound):

• Calories: 640
• Total Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 56g

benefits: another source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as fiber for digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Known for its immune-boosting properties and contains sulfur compounds that may have various health benefits.

Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, dried thyme (amounts used are negligible in terms of nutritional contribution)

benefits: Each spice adds unique flavor and may offer health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Beef or chicken broth (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 10-15 (depending on the type of broth used)
• Total Fat: 0-1g
• Carbohydrates: 0-1g
• Protein: 1-2g

benefits:Provides flavor and moisture to the filling, and may contain nutrients like protein and minerals.

Salt and pepper (amounts used are negligible in terms of nutritional contribution)

benefits:Each spice adds unique flavor and may offer health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash):

• Calories: 70-80 (depending on the size of the egg)
• Total Fat: 5-6g
• Carbohydrates: 0-1g
• Protein: 6-7g

benefits:Adds richness and helps to create a golden-brown crust when used as an egg wash. It also provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, variations in ingredient quantities, and cooking methods.