Traditional Quebecois Cretons

Name: Traditional Quebecois Cretons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 500 g ground pork; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground); 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

130 min 10 servings Medium

All Recipes

Traditional Quebecois Cretons

A classic Quebecois cretons recipe, perfect for a hearty breakfast spread.

Prep

10 min

Cook

120 min

Total

130 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Cretons is a traditional Quebecois dish, often enjoyed as part of a hearty breakfast. This rustic pork spread is beloved for its rich, savoury flavour and smooth texture. Passed down through generations, cretons brings a taste of Quebec's culinary heritage to your table. Typically served cold on toast, with mustard or pickles on the side, cretons is a staple in many Quebec households. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a popular choice for those seeking comfort food with a historical twist.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients

Gather and prepare all ingredients: chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.

Combine Ingredients

In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the ground pork, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.

Pro tip: Using a heavy pot prevents sticking and burning.

Cook Mixture

Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 90 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the mixture is thickened.

Pro tip: Keep the heat low to achieve a smooth texture.

Add Breadcrumbs

Stir in the breadcrumbs, mixing well to incorporate them into the meat mixture.

Continue Cooking

Continue to cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Pro tip: The cretons should be thick enough to hold its shape when spread.

Cool and Store

Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to containers. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pro tip: Cooling allows the flavours to meld and the texture to firm up.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking.</li><li>Cook over low heat for a smooth texture.</li><li>Allow to cool before refrigerating for easier slicing.</li><li>Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cretons with fresh baguette slices, rye bread, or toast. It pairs wonderfully with tangy mustard and pickles, adding a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy spread. Make a batch ahead of time, as cretons keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before serving.