French Canadian Pâté Chinois

French Canadian Pâté Chinois Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Canada and France

Region / culture: Canada, France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is a classic comfort food dish that originated in Quebec, Canada. This hearty and delicious meal is made with layers of seasoned ground meat, creamed corn, and creamy mashed potatoes. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

History

Pâté Chinois, which translates to "Chinese pie" in French, has a fascinating history. Despite its name, the dish has no actual Chinese origins. It is believed to have been created by French Canadian settlers in the 19th century, who were inspired by the Chinese laborers who worked on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The dish was a way to use simple and affordable ingredients to create a filling and tasty meal.

Ingredients

flank steak, or other inexpensive cut of beef (or some veggie ground round, if you want this to be vegetarian)
onion (1 medium onion per 2 people)
oregano, to taste
potatoes (1 large or 2 small potatoes per person)
butter (or vegetable oil and/or vegetable stock)
salt and pepper, to taste
cream (optional, for creamier mashed potatoes)
1 can of cream corn (more if you prefer)
paprika
ketchup and/or applesauce, to taste (as an accompaniment)

How to prepare

Peel the potatoes, cut them into smaller sections if necessary, and place them in a pot to boil. Alternatively, you can boil them with their jackets on and peel them afterward, according to your preference.
Chop the onions to your desired size, preferably coarsely chopped.
Cut the flank steak into small pieces or grind it. If using veggie ground round, no additional preparation is needed.
Heat up some butter or vegetable oil in a pan and begin frying the onions.
Once the onions start to sweat, add the meat or meat substitute and continue frying until it is almost cooked through.
Season the mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, and finish cooking the meat mixture.
Mash the potatoes with butter and a bit of cream. The cream is optional, but highly recommended. Alternatively, you can use vegetable stock instead of butter and cream for a vegan option.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the cooked meat in the bottom of a casserole dish, creating an even layer.
Top the meat with a layer of cream corn.
Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the cream corn.
Sprinkle paprika on top for added visual appeal.
Bake at approximately 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling at the bottom. If using a pyrex dish, be aware that the cream corn may bubble through to the top around the edges, and the potatoes may develop golden crispy edges.
Serve with ketchup and/or applesauce. Traditionally, ketchup is the preferred condiment.

Variations

Add diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added vegetables.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Top the mashed potatoes with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Notes

You can also use my Amazing Mashed Potatoes recipe for the mashed potatoes layer. The celeriac adds a lovely flavour.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season each layer of the Pâté Chinois well with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to enhance the flavors.

- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with veggie ground round or lentils for a plant-based option.

- To save time, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch.

- For a crispy topping, broil the Pâté Chinois for a few minutes after baking to brown the mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is traditionally served with ketchup on the side. You can also serve it with applesauce for a sweet and tangy contrast. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also be served to add some freshness to the meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Pâté Chinois is to properly season each layer and ensure that the meat is cooked through before assembling the dish. Baking the Pâté Chinois allows the flavors to meld together and creates a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or veggie ground round for a different flavor profile.

- Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash instead of regular mashed potatoes for a healthier twist.

- Replace creamed corn with frozen corn kernels for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

French Canadian Pâté Chinois can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also make the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them before assembling the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French Canadian Pâté Chinois in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

French Canadian Pâté Chinois pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A glass of apple cider or beer also complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Pâté Chinois can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Pâté Chinois contains approximately 300 calories. It is a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French Canadian Pâté Chinois contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the potatoes and corn in the dish.

Fats

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is a relatively low-fat dish, with each serving containing around 10 grams of fat. The fat content mainly comes from the ground meat and butter used in the mashed potatoes.

Proteins

Each serving of Pâté Chinois provides about 15 grams of protein. The protein comes from the ground meat or veggie ground round used in the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The potatoes and corn in the dish are rich in these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and gluten (if using store-bought mashed potatoes). It can be easily modified to be dairy-free and gluten-free by using dairy-free butter and cream and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.

Summary

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

French Canadian Pâté Chinois is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish with your loved ones!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for French Canadian Pâté Chinois. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Marie, in her cozy kitchen in Montreal. Marie was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

That day, Marie was busy preparing dinner for her family, and the mouth-watering aroma of her cooking filled the air. As we chatted and sipped on cups of tea, I couldn't help but notice the tantalizing scent coming from the oven. Curious, I asked Marie what she was making, and with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she revealed her secret recipe for Pâté Chinois.

Pâté Chinois, or "Chinese Pie," is a traditional French Canadian dish that consists of layers of ground beef, corn, and mashed potatoes baked to perfection. It's a simple yet hearty meal that is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Marie graciously offered to teach me how to make her version of Pâté Chinois, and I eagerly accepted. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, browning meat, and assembling the layers of this delectable dish. As the Pâté Chinois baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of savory meat and creamy potatoes.

When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the piping hot Pâté Chinois out of the oven. The golden mashed potato topping was perfectly crispy and the layers underneath were bubbling with savory goodness. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of Marie's Pâté Chinois and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and warmth.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that I had to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen, so I asked Marie for her recipe. She handed me a tattered old notebook filled with handwritten notes and scribbles, telling me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of her family.

I treasured that notebook like a precious treasure, and I set out to master the art of making Pâté Chinois. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate the magic that Marie had shared with me.

Over the years, I made Pâté Chinois for my own family countless times, and it became a beloved staple in our household. My children grew up with the comforting aroma of this dish wafting through our home, and they would eagerly gather around the dinner table to enjoy a steaming hot plate of Pâté Chinois.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my recipe, adding my own unique twists and variations to make it truly my own. I shared my love for Pâté Chinois with friends and family, and it became a dish that was requested at every gathering and celebration.

To this day, whenever I make Pâté Chinois, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Marie's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this traditional French Canadian dish. It brings back memories of laughter, friendship, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of piping hot Pâté Chinois, surrounded by the ones I hold dear, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and cherished memories. The recipe for Pâté Chinois may have come from Marie, but the love and passion that I pour into making it are all my own.