The authentic Lac-Saint-Jean tourtière: no, it’s not a meat pie!

In Lac-Saint-Jean, the magic of Christmas begins when someone says:
“So, who’s making the tourtière?”

Because here, tourtière isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition that’s still deeply rooted in families. It’s the centerpiece of the table, the aroma that fills the house at Christmas. And of course… we don’t take this iconic dish lightly.

“A tourtière isn’t just meat pie!”

We’re not talking about some run-of-the-mill “pâté” made with just meat and spices. No, no, no. Here, the tourtière is a culinary heritage. A family tradition. A secret passed down through the generations… sometimes with the same jealously guarded discretion as a good blueberry patch or a walleye fishing spot.

“Moose or no moose?”

“Don’t stir it too much!”

“Do you add the broth before or after?”

“It has to be thick and the crust sealed with a vent, otherwise it’s just not right at all!”

In short, no one makes the same tourtière… but everyone makes THE real one!

An authentic recipe from Lac-Saint-Jean.

Here, we’re sharing a traditional version, just like many families make it. Feel free to add your own twist… but no ground meat, promise?

Ingredients (for a large dish serving 6 to 8 people)

• 1.5 kg of meat, cut into cubes: pork, beef, or game if available
• 8 to 10 potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (to taste…)
• A good homemade broth
• A thick shortcrust pastry, made with love

Preparation

1. Place all the ingredients in the broth, making sure they are completely submerged, then let them marinate for 24 hours.
2. Line the bottom and sides of the dish with the dough.
3. Add the filling and cover with a tightly sealed crust.
4. Make a “chimney” in the center of the dough.
5. Bake very slowly: about 8 hours at 275°F (135°C).
6. Let it rest… and resist the temptation to dig in with a spoon!

Serve with a creamy salad, beets, and green ketchup.

While it’s simmering:
We pull out the cards and tell stories.

You’ll see why we take pride in this here