Pate Chinois

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy family gathering, where the aroma of hearty comfort food fills the air. This classic Quebec dish, Pâté Chinois, is a warm, satisfying casserole that brings everyone around the table—a true testament to home cooking at its finest. Its layered goodness combines tender beef, creamy corn, and smooth mashed potatoes into a delightful comfort food that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes (about 1 lb 8 oz or 680 g), peeled and chopped
• 2 ½ tablespoons butter (about 0.09 fl oz or 3 g)
• ½ cup milk (4 fl oz or 118 ml)
• 1 lb (16 oz or 450 g) minced beef
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 cups creamed corn (about 16 oz or 454 g)
• Paprika, to taste
• Parsley, to taste
• Salt, a dash
• Pepper, a dash

Step-by-step

1. In a large pot of salted water, cook the potatoes until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
2. Coarsely mash the potatoes with 2 tablespoons (1 oz or 30 g) of the butter. Using an electric mixer, purée the mashed potatoes with ½ cup (4 fl oz or 118 ml) of milk until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C), with the rack in the middle position.
4. In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the minced beef to the skillet; cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Season with a dash of salt and pepper.
6. Lightly press the cooked beef and onion mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish.
7. Spread the creamed corn evenly over the beef layer.
8. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to cover the filling completely.
9. Sprinkle paprika and chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, then finish cooking under the broiler to lightly brown the top.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce just before serving.
• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.

Closing thoughts

Every spoonful of Pâté Chinois brings comfort and nostalgia, evoking memories of family dinners and hearty conversations. This timeless dish is more than just food—it’s a warm embrace in casserole form, perfect for sharing with loved ones on cozy nights or casual Sunday afternoons. Happy baking!