Tourtière (French Canadian Meat Pie)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Lean Ground Meat (Beef and Pork Mix) - 2 pounds (907 grams)
2. Onion - 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
3. Potatoes - 3 medium, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
4. Pie Dough (You can use store-bought or homemade) - for a 9-inch pie dish
5. Chicken Stock or Beef Stock - 1 cup
6. Herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, bay leaves) - 1 tablespoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
7. Salt and Pepper - to taste
8. Egg - 1, for sealing the pie crust
9. Milk or Cream - for brushing on the pie crust before baking

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough preparation)
• Cooking: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped onion, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place in the dish.
5. Add the meat mixture to the bottom of the pie crust. Top with the cooked potatoes.
6. Whisk together the chicken stock or beef stock with a little water and pour over the meat and potatoes.
7. Brush the top of the pie crust with milk or cream. Cut several small slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total) Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used) Fat: 25-30 grams Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams Protein: 20-25 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• A traditional French Canadian dish, Tourtière is a meat pie filled with a mixture of beef and pork, potatoes, and herbs.
• The dish is known for its rich flavor and hearty texture, making it a perfect comfort food for colder weather.
• The pie crust is usually flaky and crispy, providing a contrast to the soft and creamy filling.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish for a family gathering! The flavors are so rich and hearty, everyone loved it."
2. "I made this for my American friends, and they were impressed with the unique flavors. They loved the combination of meats and potatoes."
3. "This is a great dish to make ahead of time for a holiday party. It tastes even better when it's been chilled overnight."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use lean ground meat to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Use fresh herbs if possible for maximum flavor.
• When baking, make sure to keep an eye on the pie towards the end of cooking to avoid burning the crust.
• This dish can be served hot or cold, depending on preference.