Chinese Pie (Meat Pie in Mashed Potato Crust)

To prepare a culinary delight, start by heating a moderate amount of oil in a deep pan, enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the diced pork and beef, ensuring they brown evenly. Add finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, thinly sliced red pepper, and the spices – ½ teaspoon of thyme and a teaspoon of paprika. Stir constantly to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan until the meat changes color and the onion becomes translucent.

Once the mixture is well sautéed, incorporate the flour, mixing with a spatula to achieve a smooth texture. Then, pour in the beef broth, continuing to stir to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend harmoniously. In the last minutes of cooking, add the peas and corn, leaving the dish on the heat for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Meanwhile, boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water. Once boiled, drain them well and let them cool slightly. Add the cream cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, mixing vigorously until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous puree. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, then incorporate the egg yolks, mixing well. Finally, add the beaten egg whites, gently folding to keep the mixture airy.

You can proceed in two ways for assembling the dish. The first option is to divide the meat mixture into tart molds or ramekins with a capacity of 250 ml. Let it cool slightly, then add equal amounts of the potato puree over the meat in the molds, leveling the surface well. Sprinkle the remaining thyme on top and transfer the molds to a baking tray.

The second option involves using a larger ovenproof dish. Place the meat mixture in a single layer, covering it with the potato puree, leveling it just as in the previous option. Cover everything with aluminum foil to prevent the dish from drying out. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and leave the dish in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the potato layer develops a golden and appetizing crust.

Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh salad or pickles, and accompany it with a glass of red wine to complete the culinary experience. This recipe will surely bring a touch of flavor and comfort to your meals!