Rappie pie is a traditional Acadian meal, sometimes referred to as "rapure pie" or "rapûre".[1][2] Its name is derived from the French "patates râpées" meaning "grated potatoes." It is a casserole-like dish formed by boiling and grating potatoes, adding hot broth made from chicken, pork or seafood along with meat and onions, and layering additional grated potatoes over the top .[3]
It is thought that rappie pie has its origins in the Acadian Expulsion, among Acadians who chose to live out their exile in Boston. This opportunity to meet and interact with other immigrant groups would naturally encourage a sharing of cultural recipes. It may have been German or Swiss immigrants who taught the Acadians their technique for using grated potatoes in their recipes, but whoever it was, this proved to be an important tip for those that returned to Nova Scotia when the expulsion was lifted. When they returned, they found that their fertile land had been given to New Englanders lured north by the promise of farmland. The harsh, rocky land that remained was excellent for growing potatoes, if little else, so the Acadians used them to fill out dishes made with what game was available.[4]
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