Homemade pate is a real delicacy. Although preparing it takes a lot of time and commitment, it is really worth it! We reveal some tips on how to bake pâté.
A meat pâté is a combination of many different kinds of pâté, so it has an intense flavour and doesn’t crumble when you cut it. You can bet on pork and beef with the addition of bacon or poultry pate varied with veal liver. It is also worth adding vegetables to any pate, among them celery, parsley and carrots. It is also worth frying an onion and a clove of garlic and adding them to the whole. The vegetables will enhance the flavor of the homemade pate. Of course, all the ingredients need to be cooked or fried. For example, fry the pork and beef in a pan beforehand, then put them in a pot and add bacon, vegetables and spices. The whole dish should be cooked for about two hours.
What kind of meat to choose for pate? It depends on your personal preferences. It is good when the main meat is added in the same proportions. This includes pork (e.g. shoulder, ham), beef (e.g. leg) and poultry (e.g. thighs). On the other hand, jowls, liver or bacon, it is better that they are added in smaller amounts. Fatty types of meat make the pate fluffy, so do not omit them from the recipe.
Another interesting solution is to make pate using only poultry liver, such as chicken or turkey. All you need is 1 onion and spices and the dish will be perfect for breakfast, dinner and a quick snack.
You should know that after baking the pate will not be as intense in flavor as before. That’s why you need to give a little more spices than assumed at the beginning.
What spices should be added to pate? First of all, bay leaf, allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. These should be added when cooking the meat. In turn, a spoonful of mustard and marjoram is good to add while kneading the mass for baking.
When it comes to preparing pâté, there are supporters and opponents of adding eggs. Are you against it? Then beat the egg whites beforehand. This will make the pâté fluffy and soft.
Preparing pâté also means kneading the whole mass. Double or preferably triple minced meat, together with vegetables and spices, should be handled very gently. While kneading, add egg yolks and beaten egg whites separately. Season the pate as you like, keeping in mind the previous advice. Kneading the mixture will keep it aerated and the pate will not be tough when baked.
Sliced smoked bacon on a baking tra y is not a necessity, but a tasty addition. It will further enhance the flavor of the pate, which will smell beautiful.