Vegetarian Pâté Chinois

Name: Vegetarian Pâté Chinois
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 onion (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 cups frozen corn kernels (thawed); 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1/4 cup milk (warmed); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

65 min 6 portions Easy

All Recipes

Vegetarian Pâté Chinois

A delightful vegetarian twist on the classic Québecois pâté chinois, featuring lentils, corn, and creamy mashed potatoes.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

65 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Pâté chinois is a comforting and traditional dish from Québec that resembles a shepherd's pie. While the classic recipe includes ground beef, this vegetarian version swaps it out for hearty lentils, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for everyone. This adaptation maintains the integrity of the dish with layers of seasoned lentils, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy a meat-free yet deliciously filling version of a beloved classic.

Ingredients

Servings

Lentil Layer

Corn Layer

Potato Topping

Instructions

Cook the lentils

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Pro tip: Lentils should be tender but not mushy.

Sauté the aromatics

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in cooked lentils and dried thyme, mixing well.

Pro tip: Ensure onions are fully translucent for the best flavour.

Prepare the mashed potatoes

While lentils cook, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pro tip: Use a potato masher for the creamiest texture.

Assemble the casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with corn, then spread the mashed potatoes over the corn layer.

Pro tip: Use a spatula to smooth the potato layer.

Bake the pâté chinois

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until potatoes are lightly browned on top.

Pro tip: For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Rest and serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use canned lentils for convenience and skip the soaking step.</li><li>Ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth and lump-free for the best texture.</li><li>For added flavour, include chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.</li><li>Let the dish rest slightly before serving to help it set.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vegetarian pâté chinois with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of your favourite red or white wine. You can prepare this dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.