Tortière is a classic French-Canadian dish that holds a special place in our family’s holiday traditions. What’s funny is that my Polish Grandma made this dish, while my French-Canadian Grandma made Italian pasta. The beauty of family traditions, right? Regardless of how it came about, this simple yet flavorful meat pie is a must-have on our Christmas table, and it's incredibly easy to prepare once you get the hang of it.
This Tortière is savory, hearty, and deeply satisfying with its blend of lean ground pork, potatoes, and spices. I tend to cook it to taste, so feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking—just start with a little and add more as needed!
Why You’ll Love This Tortière Recipe
Hearty & Flavorful: Ground pork, savory spices, and tender potatoes create a rich and delicious filling.
Traditional & Customizable: A classic French-Canadian holiday dish with room for personal flavor adjustments.
Perfect for Freezing: Make extra pies and freeze them for later—just pop them in the oven when you’re craving comfort food.
Family Tradition: This recipe has been passed down through generations, making it extra special during the holidays.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
3 lbs lean ground pork
1 tbsp butter
1 large or 2 medium potatoes (shredded)
1 large onion (pulverized)
2 tsp allspice
Pepper to taste
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Water (enough to cover the mixture while simmering)
6 uncooked pie shells
For the Pie Dough:
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the pastry flour and salt. Cut in the lard using a pastry cutter until well combined.
In a measuring cup, beat the egg, then add vinegar and cold water up to the 1-cup mark. Slowly pour this liquid into the dry mix, adding just enough water to moisten the dough until it sticks together in a ball.
Divide the dough into six equal portions, wrap them individually, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the pulverized onion until they’re soft and translucent. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and well cooked.
Add the shredded potato and mix thoroughly. Season with allspice, pepper, and cinnamon (if using), and stir well. Add enough water to fully cover the mixture. Let it simmer for a few hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the potatoes break down to thicken the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more allspice, pepper, or cinnamon if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Once the filling has thickened, divide it evenly among your prepared pie shells.
Roll out the pie dough and cover each pie. Pinch the edges to seal, and don’t forget to mark the top with an "M" to indicate it’s a meat pie (helps avoid confusion with sweet pies when freezing!).
Step 4: Bake the Tortière
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pies for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden brown.
For freezing, slightly undercook the pies so they don’t burn when reheated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the tortières cool slightly before serving. Serve them with a side of your favorite salad or some pickled vegetables for a full holiday meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Tortière
Adjust the seasoning: If you're unsure about the spice levels, start with less allspice and pepper. You can always add more as the filling simmers.
Freezing tip: Tortières freeze well, so make extras and store them for an easy meal when cravings hit. Simply reheat in the oven.
Customize the filling: While pork is traditional, feel free to mix in some beef or veal for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad for a lighter contrast.
Pair with pickled vegetables or a tangy mustard for an extra punch of flavor.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a warm cup of tea for a cozy meal.
Final Thoughts
This Tortière is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors, and it’s a great way to honor French-Canadian tradition. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just craving something comforting, this dish is sure to bring warmth to your table. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and freeze, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Let me know how your Tortière turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any variations you try.
