French Canadian Christmas Traditions Recipes

FRENCH CANADIAN RAGOUT (FRICOT)

Steps:

• HOME MADE BROWNED FLOUR: Turn oven on to broil.
• In a large skillet put about 3 cups of all purpose flour.
• Place in the oven on the middle rack.
• Let the flour brown for about 5-6 minutes.
• Remove and stir well.
• Repeat, mixing every 5-6 minutes.
• Be careful not to burn.
• This may require 4-6 times.
• Brown and mix until flour is a nice light caramel colour.
• In a large pot put the pork pieces, the studded onion, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
• Cover with water about two inches above.
• Bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hour.
• The meat should be well done.
• Remove the meat and let cool so you can handle it.
• Remove the skin and most of the fat, leaving the meat in chunks.
• Refrigerate.
• Meanwhile let the broth cool overnight so the fat comes to the top and congeals so it can be removed.
• FOR THE MEATBALLS: Mix all the other ingredients, (except browned flour) in a bowl.
• Mix well and form meatballs about one inch in diameter.
• Cover a baking pan with foil and cook the meatballs in a 350°F oven for approx 15 minutes.
• Refrigerate.
• The next day put the reserved pork meat in the pot and pour enough of the degreased broth to cover by about 3 inches.
• Bring to a light boil.
• Meanwhile, Mix the flour with cold water a bit at a time until you get a medium thick paste.
• Pour one large spoonful at a time in the broth and let simmer a few minutes.
• Repeat until the sauce is thickened to your taste (not too thick).
• Add the meatballs and cook another 7-10 minutes.
• Serve with boiled or mashed potatoes.
• If you want to be traditional, also serve with the tourtiere.

FRENCH CANADIAN RAGOûT DE BOULETTES (MEATBALL STEW)

Steps:

• 1. Grind all three meats together in a food processor.
• 2. Place meat into a big bowl.
• 3. Add onion, parsley, ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, dry mustard, and pepper.
• 4. In a small bowl, put the bread and milk together.
• 5. Blend together well with a spoon or your hands.
• 6. Add the bread mixture to the meat mixture.
• 7. Mix well with a spoon or your hands.
• 8. Shape and roll mixture into meatballs.
• 9. Heat 2 tbs of vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over low heat.
• 10. Add about 25 meatballs to a large skillet or saucepan and cook until meatballs are cooked throughout and no longer pink, flipping a few times to cook evenly, about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. Repeat until they are all cooked.
• 11. Remove fat from skillet. Add 2 cups of warm water. Cover and cook at low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• 12. In a jar (Mason), add the warm cup of water and the browned flour. Close lid and shake or simply mix with a spoon until it's mixed.
• 13. Pour in the stew, stir regularly until the gravy has thicken (at least 15-30 minutes). If you find the gravy is not thick enough, add 4 more tablespoon of brown flour with 1/2 cup of warm water. Repeat as necessary.
• Enjoy!