Warm up the cold winter months with these comforting Mini Tourtières. A Canadian classic, this savory meat pie combines hearty fillings and flaky crusts for a delicious small bite that's big on flavor. Using simple ingredients and a bit of culinary love, you can create these tantalizing treats perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Let's get started on making these delightful mini pies, courtesy of Tastemade's creative kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup chilled butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 6 tablespoons ice water, or as needed
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Fresh sage, chopped
Other:
- Olive oil
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg with a tablespoon of water)
- Optional: Maple leaf-shaped dough cutter for garnish
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Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 mini pies
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add in the chilled butter and blend until the mixture reaches a sandy texture.
3. While blending, slowly incorporate the vinegar and ice water until the dough forms into a ball.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured board and mold into a cohesive mass.
5. Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, shaping them into discs. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. For the filling, heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Sweat the onions and garlic until aromatic, then add in the ground beef and pork and cook until browned.
8. Combine the meat mixture with chopped potatoes, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
9. Remove from heat, add fresh sage, and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Flour your work surface and roll out one of the chilled dough discs to about 1/8 inch thickness.
12. Cut out circles to fit your ramekins or pie molds.
13. Press the dough circles into the molds, creating a snug fit with an excess lip for sealing.
14. Fill the dough with the meat filling generously, then crimp the edges decoratively using your knuckle.
15. If using, cut out maple leaf shapes from the remaining dough and place them on top of your pies.
16. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
17. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.
18. Let the mini tourtières cool slightly before serving.
Equipment:
- Food processor (optional, for blending dough)
- Ramekins or mini pie molds
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter (for dough and shapes)
- Pastry brush
Cooking Tips:
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly, leading to a flakier crust.
- If the dough becomes too sticky when rolling, add a bit of flour to your surface and rolling pin.
- An egg wash on top will give your tourtières a beautiful golden glaze.
- Allow the filling to cool before placing it into the crust to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
Recipe inspired by Tastemade. Check out their delicious culinary creations and more on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Tastemade
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