Country-style pâté is a delicious dish that reflects the heart of French cooking. It started in rural France, using every part of the pig, especially during autumn. You'll need 500g each of pork shoulder and belly, plus some liver and bacon, mixed with herbs and spices. After preparing, bake it in a water bath for even cooking. Isn't it satisfying to make something so tasty from high-quality ingredients? Serve it with crusty bread and pickles for a lovely meal with friends. Want to discover tips on how to make it shine at your next gathering? ��️
History
When you think of Pâté de Campagne, or country pâté, it's essential to remember its roots in rural France, where farmers originally crafted it as a means to preserve meats. This traditional French dish started as a way to use every part of the pig, especially during autumn when the animals were slaughtered.
Can you imagine the bustling kitchens of those old farms, filled with the rich aromas of pork liver mixed with fresh herbs and spices? The process of making pâté often involved careful attention to temperature control, much like achieving crisp frying results in a Waring Pro Deep Fryer.
Pâté de Campagne reflects a rustic culinary heritage. It's not just about the flavors; it's about making the most of what you have. Farmers coarsely ground meats, creating a hearty dish that became a staple in French charcuterie.
Over time, this simple dish evolved into a gourmet product, celebrated for its rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.
Today, you can find pâté de campagne in fine dining restaurants and gourmet shops. Isn't it amazing how something born from necessity has become a symbol of French cuisine?
Recipe
Country-Style Pâté Recipe
Country-style pâté, or pâté de campagne, is a delightful and rich dish that embodies the rustic flavors of traditional French cuisine. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it serves up to eight people, making it an excellent choice for parties or family dinners.
To truly appreciate the depth of flavors, it's advisable to prepare this pâté two days ahead of time. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a savory, comforting dish that's sure to impress.
The process of making country-style pâté involves not only selecting high-quality ingredients but also employing the right techniques to guarantee a perfect texture and flavor, much like how a charcoal smoker can enhance the flavor of meats through careful cooking.
The mixture of various cuts of pork, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a sumptuous filling that's encased in a terrine mold. Cooking it in a water bath guarantees gentle and even cooking, yielding a moist and tender pâté that can be enjoyed sliced and served with accompaniments like gherkins or rustic bread.
Ingredients
- 500g pork shoulder
- 500g pork belly
- 200g smoked streaky bacon
- 200g liver (chicken or duck)
- 2 teaspoons juniper berries
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 150ml white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the mold)
Cooking Instructions
Begin by finely chopping the pork shoulder, pork belly, bacon, and liver.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped meats with juniper berries, thyme, white wine, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Grease a terrine mold with butter and pack the mixture tightly into the mold, pressing it down to eliminate any air pockets.
Cover the mold with foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with hot water, creating a water bath.
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F).
Once cooked, allow the pâté to cool, then refrigerate for at least two days before serving.
Extra Tips
When making country-style pâté, choosing high-quality, fresh meats is key to achieving the best flavor.
Be sure to pack the mixture tightly into the terrine mold to avoid any air pockets, which can result in an uneven texture.
Additionally, consider experimenting with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
For serving, slice the pâté cold and pair it with gherkins, pickled vegetables, and some hearty rustic bread for a truly authentic experience.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a slice of country-style pâté is like taking a savory journey through traditional French cuisine. This classic French dish, known as pâté de campagne, brings rustic charm and rich flavor to your table.
Made from coarsely ground heritage-breed pork and liver, it's seasoned with natural spices like garlic and thyme. For an eco-friendly snacking option, consider using GreeNook reusable food pouches to store any leftover pâté, allowing you to savor its deliciousness on the go. Doesn't that sound delicious?
To truly savor its depth, serve it at room temperature. You'll notice how the flavors come alive! Pair it with crusty bread, pickles, and a selection of cheeses for a delightful charcuterie board.
Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, it's sure to impress your friends and family.
What's even better? Pâté de campagne is gluten-free and contains no artificial preservatives, making it a wholesome choice.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days or freeze them for three months. This means you can enjoy this tasty treat whenever you want.