World Recipe: Pâté Chinois

10 Ago World Recipe: Pâté Chinois

Pâté Chinois is a traditional dish from Quebec, Canada, very similar to British Shepherd’s Pie. Though its name refers to China, it has no direct connection to Asian cuisine. It’s believed the dish originated with Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian railway in the 19th century. They made this simple, nutritious meal using affordable ingredients. Today, it’s a comforting household classic passed down through generations.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (680 g) of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup (55 g) of butter, approximately
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) of milk, approximately
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 450 g (1 lb) of lean or medium ground beef
• 1 can (540 ml) of creamed corn
• Paprika to taste
• Dried parsley to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

• Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until very tender. Drain well.
• Mash the potatoes with at least 2 tablespoons of butter. Then add the milk and mix using an electric mixer until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F), with the rack in the middle.

• In a large frying pan, sauté the onion in the remaining butter until golden. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
• In a 20 cm baking dish, press the meat gently into the bottom. Spread the creamed corn evenly on top, then cover with the mashed potatoes.
• Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Bake for 30 minutes, then broil briefly to get a golden top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Perfect for a cosy family dinner!