Mimere'S Meat Pie(La Tourtiere)
A hearty traditional meat pie with tender pork, savory potatoes, and flaky crust, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose pork butt as lean as possible.
- Boil the bones in 1 quart of boiling salted water for 20 minutes and set this liquid aside.
- In a large heavy skillet, sauté onions in butter and oil until golden.
- Add ground pork and about 1 cup of liquid from the bones. Simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add as much liquid as necessary to prevent sticking.
- Simmer as slowly as possible.
- Boil and mash potatoes.
- Add a little salt, pepper, and butter.
- Drain cooked pork mixture and add to potatoes.
- Divide well mixed pie filling between the two pie bottoms (9 or 10-inch pie plates).
- Sprinkle cracker or bread crumbs on pies to absorb the fat.
- Add top crusts.
- Slash to let steam escape.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake until crusts are nicely brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Alternatively, freeze before baking, then thaw before baking at 350°F for 1 hour or until browned nicely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like thyme or sage to the pork mixture. If you prefer a leaner filling, you can substitute half the pork with ground turkey or chicken. Using a mix of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold and Russets, can enhance the texture. Ensure your crusts are well sealed to prevent leaks during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Mimere's Meat Pie is delightful served with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a contrast of flavors. It also pairs beautifully with Sauerkraut Und Speck (Sauerkraut With Pork; Old Dutch Recipe) for a comforting meal. A dollop of mustard or apple sauce can enhance each slice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If freezing, wrap the individual pies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they can be stored for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mimere'S Meat Pie(La Tourtiere) contains roughly 1141 calories, with 17g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), potassium (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 921mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is cooked through and seasoned to your liking.
How can I make the crust flaky and tender?
For a flaky crust, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. You can also add a bit of apple cider vinegar to the dough to enhance flakiness. Chilling the dough before rolling it out can also help achieve the desired texture.
Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie crusts ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pie and bake it directly from the freezer; just add extra baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).