Classic Canadian Pork Pie

Name: Classic Canadian Pork Pie
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed); 1/4 cup ice water (more as needed); 500 grams ground pork; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

120 min 8 slices Medium

All Recipes

Savour a traditional Canadian pork pie, a comforting dish with a flaky crust and savoury filling.

Prep

45 min

Cook

60 min

Total

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Pork pie is a traditional dish with deep roots in Canadian cuisine, particularly beloved in Québécois culture. This hearty pie combines a savoury pork filling encased in a flaky pastry, making it a comforting meal perfect for cold days. This recipe stands out because it respects the traditional preparation while incorporating a few modern techniques to ensure the best texture and flavour. The result is a pie that's both authentic and accessible, even for those new to making pies. If you're someone who enjoys meat pies or is looking to explore more Canadian dishes, this pork pie will not disappoint. It's a filling meal that can be enjoyed for dinner or as part of a festive spread.

Instructions

Prepare the crust

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the butter remains cold for a flaky crust.

Cook the filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. Stir in thyme, cloves, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Drain excess fat for a less greasy filling.

Thicken the filling

Add chicken stock to the pork mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Let it cool slightly.

Pro tip: Cooling prevents a soggy crust.

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fit the dough into the dish and trim the edges.

Pro tip: Leave a slight overhang for crimping.

Assemble the pie

Fill the crust with the cooled pork mixture. Roll out the second dough disk and place over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Pro tip: Use a fork to crimp for a decorative edge.

Bake the pie

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

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Tips & Tricks

Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.
Pre-bake the bottom crust to avoid it becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a pork pie?

A slice of this pork pie contains approximately 450 calories.

What is in a traditional pork pie?

A traditional pork pie typically includes ground pork, onions, spices, and a flaky pastry crust.

Can pork pie be made ahead?

Yes, pork pie can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

How do you keep a pork pie crust from getting soggy?

Cool the filling slightly before assembling and pre-bake the bottom crust to prevent sogginess.

What temperature should a pork pie be cooked to?

Bake the pork pie at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is golden brown, approximately 45-50 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pork pie hot with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavours. A classic pairing would be with a simple pea soup or a light gravy. This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the crust's flakiness. It can also be frozen for up to two months, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

15g

Protein

30g

Fat

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