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.
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.
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 on 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, beef 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 really 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 Years’ 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
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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!!
Amy
Hahahah! I just made a trip to Costco and it wasn’t as bad but still early days. I reckon in 2 weeks it will be madness! Love this recipe. We love lentils and am always trying to do some meatless days. I can imagine this would be quite filling too which is awesome as we have a big family!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It is very filling for sure. Lentils are great in this recipe.
Kate
Many thanks for sharing your Lentil Tourtiere Pie. It looks like a great recipe and I will try it very soon.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY and Happy Holidays.
Amy Liu Dong
I have never tried to make this kind of recipe but this look so easy and delicious. I am sure everyone loves it.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is loved by vegans and meat lovers too. Hope you give it a try.
Nancylynn Sicilia
This looks delicious! I love the idea of pairing this with my Slaw – so yum!!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It would be a delicious pairing for sure. Hope you give this recipe a try.
Anne
Made this tonight for guests. They loved it! When I was a meat eater I used to make tortiere all the time as one of my signature dishes. This was my first in 20 years, and it was great! I added a half tsp of mace, and garlic cooked with the onions. Thanks for this recipe! ♥️♥️
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am SOOO happy you came back to let me know. I REALLY appreciate it. Glad your guests loved the recipe.
Paula Montenegro
I love lentils in every possible way but never thought of making a pie with them! Great idea to add to my weekday cooking. Super nutritious and delicious!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
We really love this healthy version of the French Canadian classic. Hope you give it a try.
Sean@Diversivore
I’ve been eating meat tourtiere all my life, so I don’t say this lightly – this looks really wonderful! I love that you’ve made a nice and solid filling for the pies. I think a meaty texture goes a really long way toward making a meat substitute work well in a dish like this. Thanks for posting this!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. It is an awesome twist on the delicious classic dish.
Tina
I have never heard of a Tourtiere Pie but I have substituted lentil for meat in a meatloaf. You are right, it’s the perfect substitute. This pie sounds amazing, I’m going to have to try this. Saving for later!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give it a try. We love this version.
Demeter
This time of year is perfect for not only a budget friendly dinner but definitely needing the healthier twist. It looks fantastic!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Well if it is approved by the people in Quebec, I am thrilled.
Alyssa
It’s so hard to find vegetarian recipes that are “holiday dinner worthy,” but this one is perfect. It’s impressive, yet simple. Love it!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
EMJOY….this will be a crowd-pleaser. I promise.
Julia
What an interesting recipe. Love that it’s meatless and has lentils in it!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give it a try….I really think you will love it as much as we do.
Mary
I love lentils as a meat substitute in shepherds pie, so it totally makes sense that they work like a dream in tourtiere pie, too!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY….this is the perfect alternative to the classic meat pie.
Tristin Rieken
Love this! Although I’ve never made it as a holiday meal, my family loves this lentil pie for dinner and then I serve slices as quick lunches throughout the week.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It sounds like a delicious option for lunch too…I would devour it for sure.
Dana
I love this idea! My mom is famous in her circle of friends for her tourtiere (she’s French Canadian, so tourtiere is definitely their thing. Haha). I was never a fan of ground beef in pastry, though. I don’t know. Just something about it. But this sounds ridiculously good. Cozy stick-to-your-ribs goodness!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is the PERFECT alternative to the meat-filled pie. Hope you give it a try. I do know about the classic….and it is delicious. I am certain your moms would be awesome.
Marisa F. Stewart
That pie looks like a work of art – the crust is beautiful and it looks rich and flaky. What a delicious way to serve the red lentils. I don’t think we’d miss the meat at all. In fact, this is a great dinner idea for this coming week.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
All I can say is even the people in Quebec did not miss the meat in this one. Enjoy!
Jagruti Dhanecha
This lentil pie sounds so delicious and flavourful, with all the spices. A lovely meatless dish for vegetarian friends on a Christmas table.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes, it sure is. Even the die-hard tourtiere lovers like this “meatless” version.