Canadian Tourtière

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   1 min

   Set your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens, gas mark 6) to ensure it's hot enough for baking. This temperature will help achieve a beautifully crisp pastry.

2. 2

   Prepare the Potato

   27 min

   Peel and chop the potato into even pieces, then place it in a pot of boiling water. Cook until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potato until smooth, then allow it to cool completely before using it in the filling.

3. 3

   Brown the Meat and Onion

   23 min

   In a non-stick skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the minced pork and onion, stirring frequently until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the pork is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.

4. 4

   Mix in Seasonings

   5 min

   To the skillet, add the garlic, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and vegetable stock. Season with pepper and a small pinch of salt, and stir everything together well. Remove from heat and mix this flavorful mixture into the cooled mashed potato, allowing it to cool further before assembling the pie.

5. 5

   Line the Pie Dish

   8 min

   Take half of the shortcrust pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it's about 3mm thick. Use this rolled pastry to line the bottom of a 20-23cm pie dish or flan tin, ensuring it covers the sides well.

6. 6

   Add the Pork Filling

   5 min

   Spoon the cooled pork and potato mixture evenly into the lined pastry. Before placing the top crust, brush the edges of the pastry with a little water to help seal it later.

7. 7

   Cover the Pie

   7 min

   Roll out the remaining pastry to fit over the top of the pie. Carefully place it over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together firmly. Trim any excess pastry to create a neat finish.

8. 8

   Prepare for Baking

   10 min

   Using a fork, prick several holes in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the surface generously with a beaten egg to give it a golden glaze when cooked.

9. 9

   Bake the Tourtière

   1 min

   Place the pie into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown and crisp when done. Cut into wedges and serve with a fresh green salad, or enjoy cold with pickles for leftovers.