Pâté Chinois

Pâté Chinois Recipe from Canada with Beef, Potatoes, Corn, and Peas

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pâté Chinois, also known as Chinese pie, is a classic French-Canadian comfort food dish that consists of layers of seasoned ground meat, corn, peas, and mashed potatoes. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

Pâté Chinois has its roots in French-Canadian cuisine and is believed to have originated in Quebec. The name "Chinese pie" is said to have come from Chinese laborers who worked on the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century and enjoyed a similar dish. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients that were more readily available in Canada, such as ground meat, corn, peas, and potatoes.

Ingredients

1 greased casserole dish (use PAM, butter, or margarine for greasing; avoid shortening as it gives the recipe a strong taste and adds unnecessary fat)
1.5 lb (680 g) combination of ground beef, pork, and veal
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
3 carrots, chopped very small
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 garlic clove, very finely chopped
1 medium-sized yellow onion, very finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste (beef broth powder can be used as a seasoning, as it already contains salt)
3 tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil
6 potatoes (plus milk and butter for mashing)
1 or 2 cans of corn
1 or 2 cans of peas
paprika

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Start by cooking the potatoes with a little salt.
Mash the potatoes without adding milk or butter, using only the potatoes.
Ensure the mashed potatoes are ready before cooking the meat mixture.
Depending on the size of your casserole dish, use 1 or 2 cans of corn or 1 small package of frozen corn. Fresh corn can also be used if available.
Use enough corn to form a single layer in the casserole dish after adding the meat mixture.
You can use 1 or 2 cans of peas, but frozen peas retain their shape better. Alternatively, use one small package of frozen peas.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the casserole dish.
Sprinkle paprika on top.
Begin by browning the meats with the oil.
Add the vegetables, including celery, carrots, garlic, and onion, and cook until tender.
Add the tomato purée and seasoning to the meat mixture.
Once the meat mixture is ready, meaning the meat is no longer red and the vegetables are almost tender, pour it into a greased casserole dish, forming a single layer.
Add the corn on top of the meat layer.
Add the peas on top of the corn layer.
Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the peas.
Sprinkle a couple of pinches of paprika.
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown.

Variations

Substitute ground beef for veal for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra vegetables.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender before mashing them. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Browning the meat before adding the vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Use fresh or frozen vegetables for the best taste and texture.

- Season the meat mixture well with herbs and spices for a delicious flavor profile.

- Be sure to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the casserole dish to create a nice top layer.

Serving Suggestions

Pâté Chinois can be served on its own as a complete meal. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding the vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Layering the ingredients in the casserole dish will create a visually appealing presentation.

- Baking the dish in the oven will allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to brown on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of veal for a leaner option.

- Substitute frozen mixed vegetables for the corn and peas for added convenience.

- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier fat option.

Make Ahead Tips

Pâté Chinois can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Pâté Chinois pairs well with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Pâté Chinois can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pâté Chinois contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pâté Chinois contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pâté Chinois contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pâté Chinois contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pâté Chinois is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Pâté Chinois may contain allergens such as dairy (butter), gluten (from the tomato purée), and soy (from the vegetable oil).

Summary

Pâté Chinois is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Pâté Chinois is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With layers of seasoned ground meat, corn, peas, and mashed potatoes, this French-Canadian classic is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty and flavorful comfort food.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Pâté Chinois. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in France. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had just returned from a trip to Canada and brought back this delicious dish that she learned to make while she was there.

As soon as I tasted the Pâté Chinois, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. The combination of ground beef, corn, and mashed potatoes was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was comforting and hearty, perfect for a cold winter day. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it, and she was more than happy to pass on her knowledge to me.

She started by showing me how to brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. The smell of the meat sizzling in the pan was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the final dish. Next, she taught me how to layer the beef mixture with canned corn in a baking dish, topping it all off with a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes.

As the Pâté Chinois baked in the oven, the whole house filled with the tantalizing aroma of savory meat and sweet corn. I watched eagerly as the dish bubbled and browned, the mashed potatoes turning golden and crispy on top. When it was finally ready, my grandmother cut into it with a sharp knife, revealing the layers of beef, corn, and potatoes underneath.

The first bite was pure heaven. The flavors melded together perfectly, each bite rich and satisfying. I couldn't believe that I had actually made something so delicious with my own two hands. From that moment on, Pâté Chinois became a staple in our household, a dish that we would make again and again, always bringing back memories of that first time I learned to make it.

Over the years, I have made Pâté Chinois for countless family gatherings and dinner parties. It has always been a hit, with people clamoring for the recipe. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this comforting and delicious dish.

But the story of how I learned to make Pâté Chinois goes beyond just my grandmother teaching me a recipe. It is a story of love and connection, of passing on traditions and sharing meals with the ones we care about. Every time I make Pâté Chinois, I am reminded of my grandmother and the bond that we shared over our love of food.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Pâté Chinois, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories that this dish brings back. It is more than just a recipe to me; it is a reminder of the joy and warmth that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones. And for that, I will always be thankful.