Quebec-Style Canadian Grilled Tourtière with Flaky Crust

Introduction

Experience a classic Canadian meat pie like never before—with a perfectly flaky crust, rich spiced filling, and all cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill! This Quebec-style grilled tourtière locks in flavor with a high-heat sear, then slow-cooks to a golden finish right on the flat griddle cooktop. No oven required, just authentic wood-fire grilled goodness!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground veal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
• 2 sheets store-bought or homemade pie dough
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire build.
5. Wait 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Once the grill is ready, heat butter on the flat cooktop near the center for high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
3. Add ground pork, beef, and veal, cooking until browned.
4. Stir in cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add beef broth and let it reduce slightly.
6. Mix in mashed potatoes for a creamy texture.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Tourtière

1. Roll out one sheet of pie dough on a lightly floured surface.
2. Lay the dough onto a preheated griddle-safe pie tin or directly on the flat cooktop.
3. Spoon in the meat mixture, spreading it evenly.
4. Cover with the second sheet of dough and press edges to seal.
5. Brush the top crust with egg wash.

Step 4: Grill the Tourtière

1. Place the assembled tourtière on a cooler section of the Arteflame griddle.
2. Close the grill for a few minutes to let heat circulate.
3. Rotate occasionally to get an even golden-brown crust.
4. Grill for about 30 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Carefully remove the tourtière from the grill.
2. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Move the pastry frequently to avoid burning.
• For extra crispiness, brush more butter onto the crust while grilling.
• Keep an eye on heat zones for even cooking.

Variations

• Spiced Turkey Tourtière: Replace pork and beef with ground turkey and add a pinch of cayenne.
• Mushroom & Lentil Tourtière: Swap meat for mushrooms, lentils, and vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Cheddar & Bacon Tourtière: Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar to the filling for a smoky taste.
• Maple-Glazed Tourtière: Brush the crust with maple syrup before grilling for a sweet glaze.
• Wild Game Tourtière: Substitute venison or duck for a rustic, gamey flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling a traditional Canadian tourtière on the Arteflame gives it a smoky richness you won't get from a standard oven. With a perfectly crispy golden crust and a juicy, spiced filling, this is a show-stopping meat pie that celebrates the flavors of Quebec in a whole new way.

Best Pairings

• A rich Cabernet Sauvignon
• Dark ale or winter stout
• Crisp green salad with a maple vinaigrette
• Roasted root vegetables
• Homemade cranberry chutney