Pate Gourmet
A luxurious chicken liver pâté with rich butter, fragrant cognac, and subtle curry spices, perfect for elegant appetizers or savory spreads for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter; sauté the chopped onion over moderate heat for about 8 minutes, or until soft and transparent but not brown.
- Transfer the cooked onion to a food processor or Cuisinart.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of salted butter.
- Add the chicken livers; cook over quite high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring and tossing almost constantly, until they are browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside.
- Pour the cognac over the chicken livers; ignite and let the flame burn out.
- Add the cooked chicken livers and cognac mixture to the food processor with the onions.
- Add the sweet butter, sherry, salt, and curry powder.
- Process until smooth and creamy, adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using duck or beef liver instead of chicken livers. If you don't have cognac, brandy or whiskey can work as a substitute. Ensure the livers are cooked just until slightly pink in the center to maintain tenderness. Adjust the curry powder to taste if you're unsure; start with less and add more as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pâté with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with pickles, olives, and a light salad for contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Madylon'S Mushroom Soup or a simple green salad. A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy it later, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, or gently reheat it in a water bath to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pate Gourmet contains roughly 326 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this pâté in advance?
Yes, this pâté can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it chill for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any absorption of other odors in the fridge.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both will add a nice creaminess, though they may slightly alter the flavor. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, which will impart a different but delicious taste.
How can I tell when the livers are done cooking?
The chicken livers are done when they are browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on high heat. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye on them during cooking.
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).