Easy Gorton Recipe: French-Canadian Pork Spread

Name: Easy Gorton Recipe: French-Canadian Pork Spread
Total time: 10 hrs
Ingredients: 2 pounds finely ground pork fat; 2 pounds finely ground pork; 2 onions, finely chopped; 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.75 teaspoon ground nutmeg; salt and black pepper to taste

Gorton, a beloved French-Canadian pork spread, is ideal for enjoying on toast and crackers. This cherished recipe comes from my mémère (grandmother) and is a simple homemade alternative to French pâté. While similar to cretons, gorton is a New England variation. Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make spread!

Total time10 hrs
Prep time15 mins
Cook time1 hr 45 mins
Yield5 cups, 40

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Servings

Ingredients

2 pounds finely ground pork fat
2 pounds finely ground pork
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cups water
1 teaspoon ground cloves
0.75 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, combine pork fat, ground pork, onions, water, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Mash with a potato masher every 15 minutes while simmering. Cook until pork is tender, about 1 ½ hours, adding water as needed to prevent drying. Reduce liquid as much as possible, avoiding burning. Transfer to lidded containers.
Refrigerate the gorton for 8 hours or overnight. Remove and discard the fat layer, or stir it in for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 236 kcal
Fat Content: 23 g
Fiber Content: 0 g
Sugar Content: 1 g
Sodium Content: 15 mg
Protein Content: 5 g
Cholesterol Content: 28 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 1 g
Saturated Fat Content: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g