Saffron – The World’s Most Expensive Spice

With the holiday season gearing up, food is always the centre of all the celebrations, and no gathering would feel the same without traditional recipes served on the tables with all the laughter around.
Besides fast food, traditional dishes have their charm; nothing compares to the comforting aroma of a freshly baked tourtière, filling the home with a festive vibe.
This iconic French-Canadian meat pie, its crust flaky and the filling richly seasoned with the warmth of spices, represents the season's spirit.
So picture this as you cut through the golden crust: a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice fills the air, instantly warming the room.

Does this description make you drool over?

Let the rich tourtière tradition take center stage on your holiday table this year. Our best tourtière recipe combines a perfectly flaky crust with a savoury filling seasoned to perfection, creating an unforgettable dish that's as festive as it is.
Even if it's your first tourtière or a beloved family ritual, this recipe promises to highlight your celebrations. Let's bake some holiday magic!

Ingredients 

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or chicken broth

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 medium potato, peeled, boiled, and mashed

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water (add more if needed)

• 1 egg yolk, for egg wash

Directions 

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

• Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

• In a large skillet, cook the ground pork and beef over medium heat, browning them. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.

• Cook the chopped onion and garlic in the skillet until they are soft.

• Add the broth, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring.

• Add the mashed potato and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and let cool.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Put it in the dish and trim any excess.

• Spoon the cooled filling into the crust and spread it out.

• Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal and crimp edges.

• Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

• Brush the crust with egg yolk for that golden finish.

• Bake the Tourtière in the oven for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

• Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your warm, spiced tourtière as the centrepiece of your holiday table! You can get all the spices from the Spice Trader.