Red Lentil Tourtiere Pie is the perfect alternative to the traditional French Canadian meat pie recipe.
Swapping out meat with lentils is easy and delicious. This double-crusted vegetarian tourtiere pie is just as satisfying. A healthy version of the original with my take on spices and seasonings.
This was a post sponsored by Canadian LoveLentils campaign. They graciously compensated me, however all, opinions, recipes and photos are my own.
I love cooking with lentils. The most budget-friendly way to incorporate protein into recipes. Perfect for any meal of the day. Have you ever tried lentils for breakfast?
Christmas is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it. Have you started shopping yet? I just came back from Costco, and it is already INSANE out there.
Things do get a little crazy this time of year, especially on the pocketbook. Lentils are budget-friendly. This meatless version is a fun twist on the classic Canadian tourtiere meat pie recipe.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for making this meatless tourtiere pie are at the bottom of this post.
Did you know you can use lentils in delicious appetizers for all those holiday parties? Green Lentil Mini Cream Cheese Balls are party perfect and so easy to make.
We also love Smoked Salmon Potato Appetizers. Always a hit at the holiday parties.
If plant-based eating is up your alley, then marinated lentils are what you need. Versatile lasts for days and freezer friendly too. Add them to salads, soup, sandwiches, and more.
What’s In Lentil Tourtiere?
This easy vegetarian savoury pie is going against ALL rules, but so delicious. A Quebec meat pie without meat? How can that be? You will need:
- double pie crust
- cooked red lentils
- mashed potatoes
- onion
- spice blend (see the recipe below)
- avocado oil
- salt & pepper
To make this a vegan tourtiere, be sure to use a vegan pie crust.
Have you ever used lentils in place of meat? It is the perfect alternative. Healthy nutrition is easy and delicious. Each 100 gram serving of red lentils includes 27 grams of protein, 18 grams of fiber, 1 gram of fat, and zero cholesterol, along with vitamins and minerals. For more info visit the Canadian Lentil website.
Speaking of great “meatless” alternatives, my Puy Lentil Recipe and Spicy Beluga Pasta Sauce are GREAT.
How about Vegan Mushroom Pate. A great holiday appetizer that is vegetarian and gluten-free too.
If you are a meatloaf lover, this vegetarian meatloaf is a healthy twist on the classic meat-based dish. Red lentils are the perfect meat substitute.
Traditional Christmas Dinners
Everyone has their favourite foods to serve during the holidays. Family recipes of all kinds make an appearance during this festive time of year. Cranberry sauces, stuffing, baking and treats galore. Christmas would not be the same without tradition.
All the baking, treats, and Rum & Eggnog Lattes are always enjoyed, but our traditional Christmas Morning Sandwiches are the most anticipated meal of the season. In fact one year I was going to make something else, and my kids said Christmas morning is not happening unless they get these for breakfast.
Don’t forget to save that holiday ham bone and cook up a huge pot of pea soup. The perfect way to warm up from the cold.
I come from a Ukrainian background. Christmas Eve (which falls in January) was always the traditional “no meat” dinner that consisted of all the Ukrainian classics. Borscht was a MUST on the menu. Canadian butter tarts made an appearance for dessert.
Preparing A Vegetarian Tourtiere Pie
Here is what you do:
- Rinse lentils and cook until the desired doneness (be sure not to salt them till after they are cooked).
- Cook and mash the potatoes.
- Chop and cook the onion.
- Mix the cooked lentils, cooked onion, mashed potatoes, and seasonings.
- Place mixture into the pie shell, add the top crust and bake.
Recipe Tips:
- For the crust, feel free to use homemade. If you are pressed for time or do not like making pie dough, a store-bought double crust is perfectly fine. That is what I used in this recipe.
- To make the cute little cutouts, I used *(affiliate) mini cookie cutters.
- *(affiliate) Red lentils work best for this recipe. The texture most resembles the meat found in the traditional recipe.
I also LOVE this *(affiliate link) silicone pie plate. Makes for easy serving.
My greatest compliment from a reader last year from QUEBEC who happens to be a vegetarian. She served this red lentil meatless tourtiere to her family and THEY LOVED IT!
Here is what Rosy had to say:
I’m a vegetarian from Montréal, Québec, and I used your recipe for tourtière as part of our New Year’s Eve “Réveillon”. (ask your husband) spread. Tourtière is a traditional dish here, so it’s a tough crowd to please but everyone loved it, including non vegetarians, and it was so easy to make. We served it with traditional accompaniments like Green Tomato Chow Chow and pickled onions and beets. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, and I wish you all the best for the new year.
Savoury Turkey Veronique Rustic Meat Pie has a really simple homemade crust. This is another French meat pie that incorporates ground turkey, white wine and grapes. A great idea for the holiday brunch menu.
French Canadian Tourtiere History
My husband grew up in Quebec during his early years. Tourtiere is a classic French Canadian meat pie. It is referred to as Christmas Eve tourtiere.
I had never heard of it until he introduced me to it. If you have never had it, I will tell you it is truly delicious.
Just like other cultures, tourtiere just as many secret family recipes as Ukrainians have pierogies and cabbage rolls. There is some interesting history of this classic dish.
Did you know:
- There are LOTS of secret family recipes for tourtiere in Quebec (and they don’t like to share their secrets).
- The SPICE BLEND is the key (hence the secret). It consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Usually made with meat (pork, bee,f and veal).
- Baked in a flaky double crust.
- It can be made with salmon or trout.
- Traditionally served on Christmas Eve at Réveillon (a late-night feast after midnight mass).
What to serve with tourtiere?
Since this is a very hearty dish, you only need a few simple sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- a variety of pickles like pickled beets, dill pickles, pickled onions, or zucchini pickles
- homemade ketchup is a great side for this recipe
- a simple holiday slaw is an excellent choice as well
- maple bourbon cranberry sauce is always a holiday hit.
Can you prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes absolutely, especially cooking the lentils. You can have them ready in the fridge a few days ahead of time. Mix them in with the potatoes before adding them to the pie crust.
Can you freeze leftovers?
Yes, you sure can. In fact, I like to make a couple of these meat pies at a time and bring one out for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Why not start a new tradition in your house with this Red Lentil Meatless Tourtiere Pie. Replacing meat lentils is easy, delicious, and healthy!! Happy Holidays from our house to yours.
Need some holiday treat ideas? Here are a few.
- Holiday White Chocolate Mini Popcorn Balls
- Quick & Easy Festive Holiday Croissants
- Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Fudge
Red Lentil Tourtiere Pie
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts (I used frozen double crust/thawed
- 4 cups cooked red lentils
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup chopped onion (cooked)
- ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoons nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoons ground cloves
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoons olive oil (to cook the onions)
Instructions
- Turn oven to 375º F.
- Rinse and cook lentils according to package directions (I used 1 cup dry to 3 cups water) ***salt after cooking***.
- Drain in metal sieve, and mash slightly. Set aside.
- Cut, cook and mash potato. Set aside.
- Cook chopped onion in about 1 tbsp. of oil until translucent. Set aside.
- Combine lentils, potato, onions and seasonings in a bowl.
- Place mixture into the bottom pie shell.
- Cut some slits (or pretty cutouts in the top crust).
- Wet the edges of the bottom crust with water, place on top crust and press to seal.
- Bake in oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing.
- ENJOY!!
Jacqueline Debono
This tourtiere pie looks really good! Love the idea of making a meatless version. I also sometimes replace meat with lentils, for example in pasta sauce!
Homemade & Yummy
Lentils are the perfect meat alternative, and work so well in the classic recipe.
Linda
I’ve never tried this but it does look delicious and perfect for Meatless Party. And I love the flavors combination you have here.
Homemade & Yummy
Well personally I think even the meat lovers would have a hard time not liking this recipe. Happy Holidays.
Alicia
I make savoury pies at least twice a week and haven’t given any thought to a meatless version. I will definitely try this. What would you suggest to serve with this?
Homemade & Yummy
Since this is usually served as part of a huge Christmas Eve meal, you can add any side dish you like.
Chef Mireille
Nice to learn about the tourtiere pie as I had not heard of it before. I love using red lentils as they are milder than regular lentils. This looks like such a good veg version!
Homemade & Yummy
That is sure is. Hope you give it a try.
Anna Hettick
I have to admit I don’t eat meatless very often, but I have been experimenting with lentils as an alternative to meat every night. I’ve never heard of tourtiere pie but this still looks super tasty!
Homemade & Yummy
Lentils are the perfect alternative to meat. We love using them in many recipes. Hope you give this recipe a try soon.
Denise
I have never heard of Tourtiere pie and I am so intrigued. I wish you lived closer so I can taste yours so I know what it’s supposed to taste like. Sounds and looks great though. I can’t wait until my hubby wakes up to see if he knows what it is.
Homemade & Yummy
Is he French? This is a very popular French Canadian dish. I knew nothing of it until I met my husband, he grew up in Quebec.
Ros
Never even heard of tourtiere! But this looks like a great vegetarian pie that I’d like to try! 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you get a chance to give this a try. I know the vegetarians in Quebec loved this version. That is the best compliment I can get.
Michelle Minnaar
I have never heard of this, and I am trying to go vegan so this will be a great addition to my recipes!
Homemade & Yummy
Well I sure hope you give this a try then. I’m sure you will find it delicious.
Stine Mari
I love how you combined your Ukrainian and his Canadian traditions into one delicious meal. I have never tried a meat pie, but I’m sure using lentils is just as good in this dish!
Homemade & Yummy
Well according to a reader from Quebec, this was a hit. If they like it, it has to be good. Hope you give it a try.
Veena Azmanov
I have never tried tourtiere but I do love lentils and like the idea of meatless pies so I’m sure I will enjoy it. Can’t wait to try this.
Homemade & Yummy
It is a true French Canadian classic. This healthy twist is totally delicious.
Kelly Anthony
What a beautiful tourtiere pie. I’ve never had one but after reading your post I’m excited to try something new.
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…this is so delicious. The healthy twist is such a great idea. Means you can enjoy it more often.
Jolina
I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t tasted tourtiere before! The holidays look like the perfect opportunity to serve it. We have a few friends coming over who don’t eat meat so I bet they would love a meatless meat pie!
Homemade & Yummy
YES they would love it for sure. Happy Holidays.
Lisa
I admit, I’ve never actually met a tourtiere meat pie, but from your description, I’m pretty sure we’d be best friends. I think it’s very inventive to replace the meat with lentils — (one of my all time favorite legumes) for the vegetarians (and meat eaters alike) at our holiday dinner. Your tourtiere looks mouthwatering — and your crust is perfection. I’d like to invite you over to make this with me. I’ll pour wine, promise!
Homemade & Yummy
I did not know of tourtiere before I met my husband. Coming up with this meatless version was fun and it is so delicious. Love the fact that a true Quebec vegetarian approves this and served it to her family. Hope you give this classic try.
Amanda
I’ve never tried tourtière pie, but it sounds delicious. I always love a savory pie. I’ll have to try this for the holidays. Thanks for sharing!
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…this is a keeper and much healthier than the classic version.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
What a beautiful slice of pie and a beautiful crust! I love lentils, and will put this on my list to make!
Homemade & Yummy
This is so good….and my husband grew up in Montreal…the king of tourtiere!! We love this meatless version more than the meat version. Hope you give this recipe a try.