Pate Chinois
Pate Chinois is a hearty Canadian casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped meat and diced onion in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Boil and mash the potatoes, adding milk, butter, and seasoning as desired.
- Layer the drained meat mixture at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Top the meat with creamed corn.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the corn and season to taste.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork or adding some garlic to the onion as it cooks. If you're short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes can be a quick substitute. You can also experiment with different types of canned corn, such as sweet corn, for a twist on the classic dish. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pate Chinois with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, pair it with a dollop of Nanny'S Tomato Sauce on top. It also goes well with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the flavors. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pate Chinois can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pate Chinois contains roughly 1492 calories, with 87g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), protein (173% of the Daily Value), and iron (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Pate Chinois?
Yes, Pate Chinois freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions.
What can I use instead of creamed corn?
If you don't have creamed corn, you can make a substitute by mixing regular corn with a bit of cream or milk and a touch of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Alternatively, pureed cooked corn can provide a similar texture. This gives you flexibility while still achieving the creamy layer in the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to Pate Chinois, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the mashed potatoes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference to make it as spicy as you'd like!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).