Whether you’ve tried it or you avoid it at all costs, I’m sure you’ve wondered, what is pâté?
Plus, how is it made, and how should you serve it?
Pâté is a French dish traditionally served in pastry (en croûte) or molded into a loaf or terrine.
Classic pâté is typically made with chopped liver, pork fat, butter, onions, and seasonings.
But today’s modern versions can include anything from fish to vegetables.
Everyone has their favorite type of pâté. And it’s incredible spread onto a crunchy cracker!
Ready to learn more? Let’s get to it!
What Is Pâté?
Pâté is a type of meat paste usually served as an appetizer.
It’s a mixture of lean meat and fat ground to a uniform texture. Though it’s usually made with pork, it can be made with poultry, pheasant, and even vegetables and cheese.
Pâté is a loose translation of the word ‘paste’ in French. Featuring cooked meat ground with fat, herbs, and spices, it’s often baked in a loaf or terrine.
However, the meat can be cooked before, then the mix is pressed into a pan and chilled until firm.
Some prefer the rich, creamy texture of duck liver mousse. Others opt for the more traditional pork-liver version.
So whether you’re looking for something light and creamy or rich and savory, there’s sure to be a pâté out there that will tickle your taste buds.
Where Does Pâté Come From?
Pâté is a famously French dish, but its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome.
The Romans enjoyed a version of this savory spread made from ground meat mixed with spices and wine.
Throughout Europe’s Middle Ages, pâté became increasingly popular as it was available to people of all social classes due to its affordability.
From France to Germany, England to Holland, pâté began appearing in various forms on tables across the continent.
It’s believed that French nobles were particularly fond of their own rendition of pâté – often comprised of finely-chopped meats stuffed inside a pastry crust.
Today, pâté remains a beloved part of many cultures’ culinary traditions.
What Is Pâté Made of?
Pâté usually features meat with fat, vegetables, and spices.
It’s usually poultry or pork, although any type can be used. Liver is another popular ingredient.
The meat is then combined with fat (meat fat or butter) and ground until uniform and paste-like.
Some recipes call for herbs, spices, wine, or other liquids to add flavor as well.
Making your own homemade pâté is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it!
Pâté Nutrition
Pâté is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why.
Not only is it delicious, but also surprisingly nutritious!
Let’s delve into the nutritional value of this delectable treat.
Protein
First of all, pâté generally contains high amounts of protein per serving.
The type of protein in pâté varies based on the ingredients used. But most commonly, it contains lean proteins such as duck or chicken liver.
Protein helps us build strong muscles and keeps our body functioning properly.
Healthy Fats
Pâté also provides healthy fats. Especially those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper brain and heart health.
Depending on the ingredients used, pâté can also contain monounsaturated fats. Those are known to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, it should be consumed in moderation as fat content can sometimes be too high.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to protein and fats, pâté is a good source of vitamins and minerals:
- It’s chock full of B vitamins such as folate, niacin, and thiamin which aid in energy production.
- Vitamin A, found in liver-based pâtés, helps maintain good vision, while other vitamins like E protect our cells from oxidative damage.
- Finally, iron and copper present in pâté help with wound healing, hormone production, and immune function.
Pâté is a great option for those looking for a tasty snack that not only satisfies their taste buds but also provides plenty of nutrition.
Although it does contain higher amounts of fatty acids. So don’t make it a staple in your everyday diet.
Does Pâté Have to Include Liver?
When it comes to pâté, the answer is a resounding maybe!
Pâté does not have to include liver.
Traditionally, recipes call for chicken or duck livers, but it does not have to include liver.
Plenty of variations call for other types of meat, mushrooms, nuts, and fish for an entirely different type of experience.
So if you’re absolutely not a liver lover, no worries!
How Is Pâté Made?
There are too many recipes out there to cover them all. And some recipes call for baking it as a loaf, others in pastry…
It’s a lot.
But in general, here’s how I make pâté:
- Cook chicken livers with onion, garlic, and salt in water until the meat is no longer pink (about 3 minutes).
- Take the pot off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Take the meat, onions, and garlic out of the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a food processor.
- Blitz until it looks like a coarse paste.
- Add butter, a splash of brandy or sherry, season with salt and pepper, then blitz again to your desired consistency.
- Use a spatula to scrape the pâté into ramekins, cover with plastic, and chill until firm.
