French Meat Pie (Tourtiere)

Ingredients:

900 g ground pork

900 g ground beef round

¾ cup finely chopped celery

1 yellow onion finely chopped

1.2 liters hot water

2 tsp. Better Than Bouillon chicken base

1 tsp. poultry seasoning

240 g seasoned breadcrumbs

½ tsp. allspice

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

¼ tsp. ground cloves

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 homemade or store-bought 9-inch pie crusts

1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Dissolve the Better Than Bouillon chicken base in hot water. Set aside.

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sauté the onion and celery for approximately 5 minutes until slightly softened, using a wooden spoon to stir.

Add the chicken stock mixture, ground pork, ground beef, and poultry seasoning to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked, which usually takes about 20 minutes.

Stir in the breadcrumbs, allspice, ground cloves, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that the bouillon and breadcrumbs already contribute some saltiness.

Let the mixture cool completely.

Fill the unbaked pie shells with the meat mixture. Place the pie crusts on top.

Roll the edges of the crusts under and pinch around the entire pie. Use a sharp knife to make a slit in the top of each pie.

Brush the crust with the beaten egg to achieve a golden-brown finish.

Bake the pies in the preheated oven for approximately 30 to 45 minutes or until the crust is beautifully browned.

Allow the pies to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For a personal touch, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like thyme, sage, or rosemary to enhance the flavors.

You can make the pie crust from scratch using your favorite recipe or save time by opting for store-bought crusts.

Serve this delightful French Meat Pie with a side of cranberry sauce or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition Information:

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YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pie crusts instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought pie crusts for this recipe.

Both options work well, so choose whichever is more convenient for you.

What can I use as a substitute for Better Than Bouillon chicken base?

If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon chicken base, you can use chicken broth or stock instead.

Simply adjust the amount of salt added to the recipe to balance the flavors.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, French Meat Pie freezes well. You can assemble the pies and freeze them before baking.

When ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed in the recipe.

What side dishes pair well with French Meat Pie?

Traditional accompaniments include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green salads, or cranberry sauce.

These side dishes complement the hearty flavors of the meat pie.

How do I know when the pies are done baking?

The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the filling is cooked through.

Let the pies rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the meat mixture according to your preferences.

While the recipe calls for ground pork and beef round, you can experiment with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or lamb.

Is it necessary to use Better Than Bouillon chicken base, or can I substitute it with something else?

Better Than Bouillon chicken base adds depth of flavor to the filling, but you can substitute it with chicken broth or stock if preferred.

Adjust the salt accordingly based on the substitution.

Can I make the pie crusts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crusts in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to use.

Homemade or store-bought pie crusts both work well for this recipe.

Can I omit the breadcrumbs from the filling?

Breadcrumbs help bind the filling together and absorb excess moisture.

If you prefer, you can reduce the amount of breadcrumbs or omit them entirely, but note that the texture of the filling may be slightly different.

How long can I store leftovers of French Meat Pie?

Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Alternatively, you can freeze the pie for longer storage, tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2-3 months.