Pâté in a Puff Pastry Crust

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Pâté in a Puff Pastry Crust. This classic French dish combines tender pork shoulder and veal, marinated with aromatic herbs, white wine, and cognac. Encased in a golden and flaky puff pastry crust, this pâté is a true culinary delight.

Serves 6 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder
• 1/2 pound veal shoulder or boneless neck meat
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 cup Alsatian white wine
• 2 tablespoons cognac
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pepper
• 2 pounds puff pastry
• 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the pork and veal into fine strips. Finely chop the onion and parsley.
2. In a bowl, combine and mix the pork, veal, onion, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, white wine, cognac, salt, and pepper. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Remove the marinated meats and onion from the bowl, discarding the bay leaf and thyme.
5. Roll out the puff pastry into two rectangles, one to serve as the base and the other as the cover. Cut out two small holes in the cover rectangle to act as chimneys, ensuring that the steam can escape during baking without destroying the crust.
6. On the base rectangle of puff pastry, pile the meat mixture, leaving about an inch of border around the edges.
7. Place the cover rectangle on top of the meat mixture, aligning the edges. Seal the edges by pinching the two pastry sheets tightly together.
8. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the pastry cover and border with the egg wash.
9. Bake the pâté in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
10. Once baked, remove the pâté from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
11. Enjoy the pâté warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Serve the pâté warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad for a delightful contrast. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a centerpiece for a gathering, impressing your guests with its elegant presentation and exquisite taste.

Prepare to savor each bite of this Pâté in a Puff Pastry Crust—a true testament to French culinary tradition and a celebration of decadent flavors.

Pâté in a Puff Pastry Crust is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines flavorful meats encased in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. The marinated pork and veal, infused with the aromatics and spirits, create a rich and savory filling. The puff pastry crust adds a delightful crunch and texture to every bite. Serve this pâté as a centerpiece at your next gathering or enjoy it as a special treat with a side of fresh greens. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures for a memorable dining experience.