If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to serve during the holidays or at your next family gathering, look no further than pork tourtiere.
This traditional French-Canadian meat pie is a beloved dish that has spread far beyond Quebec and can be found on tables across Canada and beyond. But what should you serve with this delicious pie?
While mashed potatoes and gravy are always a classic choice, there are plenty of other side dishes and condiments that can complement the spiced meat and flaky crust of tourtiere.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for serving alongside this beloved dish. From roasted vegetables to pickled beets to spicy relishes, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s dig in and discover what to serve with pork tourtiere!
What To Serve With Pork Tourtiere?
Traditionally, tourtiere is served with a variety of side dishes and condiments. One classic option is mashed potatoes, which pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the meat pie. But there are plenty of other options to consider as well.
Roasted vegetables like carrots, beets, or Brussels sprouts are a great choice for adding some color and nutrition to your meal. These vegetables can be seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the flavors of the tourtiere.
Pickled vegetables are another popular choice for serving with tourtiere. Pickled beets, cucumbers, or other vegetables can add a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich meat and pastry.
Cranberry sauce is a classic condiment that pairs well with tourtiere. The sweet and tart flavors of the sauce can balance out the savory meat and pastry.
Relishes, pickles, and chutneys are also a must-have when serving tourtiere. These flavorful condiments can add a spicy or sweet kick to your meal. Try serving spicy relishes or flavorful pickles alongside your tourtiere for a tasty and unique combination.
If you’re looking for healthier options, consider serving a side salad or some steamed vegetables alongside your tourtiere. Minted mushy peas or green garlic beans with parmesan are also great choices for adding some color and nutrition to your meal.
For something a little more indulgent, try serving beef broth gravy or southern baked beans alongside your tourtiere. Carrot and parsnip mash or sweet potato fries are also delicious options for adding some variety to your meal.
Ultimately, the best side dishes to serve with pork tourtiere will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you choose classic mashed potatoes or something more adventurous like spicy relishes or pickled vegetables, your guests are sure to enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish.
Classic Pairings: Mashed Potatoes And Gravy
One classic and popular pairing for pork tourtiere is mashed potatoes and gravy. The creamy and fluffy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the rich and savory flavors of the meat pie perfectly. The gravy adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, enhancing the taste of the meat and pastry.
To make mashed potatoes, boil peeled and chopped potatoes until they are soft, then drain them and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. For the gravy, you can use beef or pork broth as a base, then add flour to thicken it up. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
When serving tourtiere with mashed potatoes and gravy, make sure to pour the gravy generously over the pie and potatoes for maximum flavor. You can also add some steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots on the side for a balanced meal.
Roasted Vegetables: A Healthy And Tasty Side Dish
Roasted vegetables are a great option for those looking to add some healthy and tasty side dishes to their pork tourtiere meal. Not only do they provide a variety of nutrients and fiber, but they also add some color and texture to the plate.
When roasting vegetables, it’s important to choose the right ones that will complement the flavors of the tourtiere. Carrots, beets, and Brussels sprouts are all great options that can be seasoned with herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme. Roasting them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil will bring out their natural sweetness and add some crispiness to the dish.
Aside from being delicious, roasted vegetables are also incredibly versatile. They can be served hot or cold, and can even be used as a topping for salads or sandwiches. Plus, they’re a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in a fun and flavorful way.
Tangy And Sweet: Pickled Beets And Cranberry Sauce
If you’re looking for a tangy and sweet contrast to the rich flavors of pork tourtiere, pickled beets and cranberry sauce are two great options to consider.
Pickled beets are a classic side dish that pairs well with many savory dishes, including tourtiere. The tangy flavor of the pickled beets complements the savory meat and pastry, while the sweetness of the beets adds a touch of balance to the dish. You can either make your own pickled beets or buy them pre-made from your local grocery store.
Cranberry sauce is another classic condiment that pairs well with tourtiere. The sweet and tart flavors of the sauce can balance out the savory meat and pastry, while also adding a festive touch to your meal. You can either make your own cranberry sauce or buy it pre-made from your local grocery store.
When serving pickled beets or cranberry sauce with tourtiere, it’s best to serve them on the side so that guests can add as much or as little as they like. You can also experiment with combining the two condiments for a unique flavor combination.
Spicy Relishes: Adding Some Heat To Your Meal
One of the most popular condiments to serve with tourtiere is a spicy relish. These flavorful and zesty relishes can add some heat to your meal and enhance the savory flavors of the meat pie.
One classic option is homemade Franco-American relish, which is a vinegar-based side dish that pairs perfectly with tourtiere. You can also try making your own spicy side relishes or flavorful pickles to serve alongside the meat pie. Some great options include green tomato tourtiere pickles, easy French tourtiere relish, or even a spicy pear fruit relish.
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, you can try serving red pepper jelly or a sweet tomato chutney. These condiments can add an interesting and unique twist to your meal.
To make your own spicy relish, start by chopping up some vegetables like onions, garlic, and peppers. Add some vinegar, sugar, and spices like cumin or chili powder, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens. You can also experiment with different ingredients like hot peppers or fruit to create your own unique flavor profile.
Whether you choose a classic Franco-American relish or something more adventurous like a spicy pear fruit relish, adding a spicy condiment to your tourtiere is sure to impress your guests and enhance the flavors of this delicious meat pie.
Salad Options: Light And Refreshing Accompaniments
If you’re looking for a lighter and refreshing option to serve with your pork tourtiere, consider adding a salad to your meal. A simple arugula and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great choice for complementing the rich flavors of the tourtiere. The peppery arugula and crisp fennel provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meat and pastry.
Another great option is a spinach salad with mandarin oranges and nuts. The sweetness of the oranges pairs well with the savory pork, while the nuts add some crunch and texture to the dish.
If you want to add some color to your meal, try a mixed greens salad with red beets, bell pepper, and cucumber. Top it off with a rice vinegar, sugar, and salt dressing for a tangy and flavorful finish.
For a more substantial salad, consider adding some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to your greens. This will help balance out the richness of the tourtiere and provide a well-rounded meal.
Ultimately, the key to serving a salad with your pork tourtiere is to keep it simple and refreshing. Choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the tourtiere without overpowering them, and dress lightly to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Wine And Beer Pairings: Choosing The Perfect Drink To Complement Your Meal.
When it comes to pairing drinks with pork tourtiere, there are several options to consider. While tourtiere can be served with whites, sparkling, or reds, light reds are a great choice to complement the rich and savory flavors of the meat pie. Fruity wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir go well with tourtiere, as do fuller-bodied Côtes du Rhône.
Beer can also be a great option for pairing with tourtiere. When choosing a beer to complement your meal, consider the weight and body of the drink. Robust beers like stouts or porters can pair well with tourtiere, while lighter beers like lagers or pilsners can provide a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to pairing drinks with tourtiere, it’s important to consider the flavors of the dish. Robust flavors should be paired with robust wines or flavorful beers. If your tourtiere has a spicy kick, consider balancing it out with a smoother and lower alcohol content drink. And if you’re looking to cleanse your palate between bites, opt for a beer with more carbonation or a drier wine.
Ultimately, the best drink pairing for your pork tourtiere will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you choose a light red wine or a robust beer, make sure to savor each bite and sip for a truly delicious dining experience.
