Pâté Chinois (French Canadian Shepherd's Pie)

Pâté Chinois is a French Canadian dish served often as a weeknight dinner; it is very similar to cottage pie or shepherd’s pie. Traditionally this is made with 1 can corn nibblets and 1 can cream corn but we do not like cream corn so I use 2 cans corn nibblets. This is usually served with ketchup but this up to each individual’s tastes. Every time I make this it gets gobbled up in no time. When making this make sure you use lean ground beef or this will turn out too greasy.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

1 envelope GF onion soup mix

1 1/2 pounds peeled diced potatoes

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 (341 ml) cans corn nibblets, drained

1/3 cup half and half cream (may need a tad bit more depending on types of potatoes used)

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Ketchup, to serve with (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Place the diced potatoes, salt and garlic clove in a pot, cover with water and cook over medium-high heat until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the ground beef, allspice, soup packet and wine in a 10” cast iron skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink.

Spread the corn evenly over the meat.

When the potatoes are cooked through, drain the water and remove and discard the clove of garlic.

Pour in the cream and add the butter and mash with a potato masher. (add a bit of cream if not creamy enough)

When the potatoes are cooled down enough to handle spread them over the corn. I put a bit of oil on my hands and press the potatoes down until evenly spread.

Place the pan in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, until heated through.

Scoop into plates and serve with ketchup if desired.

Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that not all dried herbs and spices are gluten free so check the labels to make sure the brand you are using is gluten free. The same applies for prepackaged store-bought items, check the labels to be sure. If in doubt, call the toll free number on packaging to be safe and to make your cooking/eating experience is truly gluten free.