Chicken pâté in puff pastry

Chicken liver pâté in puff pastry – A festive delicacy

Chicken liver pâté in puff pastry is a traditional recipe that has won the hearts of food lovers around the world. This preparation, rich in flavors and textures, adds a touch of refinement to any festive meal. It is a versatile dish, perfect for celebrations, but also for a special family dinner. Let's discover together how we can prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken livers
- 1 kg boneless chicken breast
- 1 pack of puff pastry (preferably Bella, for a crispy texture)
- 8 eggs (4 for the mixture, 4 for brushing)
- 3 egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of milk (for brushing the pâté)
- 3-4 bunches of green onions
- 2-3 bunches of green garlic
- 2 bunches of fresh dill
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 1 bottle of dry white wine (of which we use 1 cup, the rest for enjoying)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 50 g butter (for greasing the trays)

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the livers and chicken breast well. It is essential that they are clean to achieve a tasty pâté. If desired, you can remove any membranes from the livers.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken breast in a pot with cold water and salt. Let it boil over medium heat until tender. About 20-25 minutes should be enough. At the same time, in a deep pan heated with a little oil, add the chicken livers. Cover the pan and let them steam, then add a cup of white wine. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes, until well cooked.

3. Chopping the meat: After both the livers and the chicken breast have cooled, pass them through a meat grinder or food processor. This will ensure a fine texture, ideal for the pâté.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Clean the green onions, garlic, and herbs. Chop them finely with a knife to release the flavors. If you prefer, you can lightly process them in a food processor for a more uniform consistency.

5. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onions, garlic, and herbs. Add the beaten egg yolks, salt, pepper, thyme, and mix well. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites to maintain the airiness of the mixture.

6. Preparing the puff pastry: Grease two loaf pans with butter. Place a sheet of puff pastry in each pan, allowing the edges to hang over. This will allow the top sheet to cover the mixture, giving a pleasant appearance to the pâté.

7. Assembling the pâté: Pour the mixture into the pans, leveling it out. Then, cover with the edges of the puff pastry. Beat the 3 egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the dough. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and an attractive appearance.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pâté in the well-heated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes nicely browned and crispy. You will know it is ready when it has a delicious golden color.

9. Serving: Allow the pâté to cool slightly before slicing it to maintain its shape. It can be served warm or cold, alongside a fresh green salad, yogurt sauce, or a side of grilled vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can experiment with other types of meat, such as pork or lamb. Beef liver is also a popular choice.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version? You can replace the meat with finely chopped vegetables, mushrooms, and cottage cheese or tofu, adding spices to enhance the flavors.
- How long can it be stored? The pâté keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be reheated or eaten cold.

Nutritional benefits:

This chicken pâté is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast and livers. Garlic and herbs add antioxidants, while the puff pastry provides a welcome dose of carbohydrates. It is a balanced dish, perfect for enjoying in moderation.

Serving suggestions:

For a truly special meal, give your chicken pâté a personal touch! Serve it with a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish. An arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing would add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast.

Tips for a perfect result:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation to facilitate even mixing.
- If you want a moister pâté, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the mixture.
- The puff pastry can be left to thaw in the refrigerator the night before to avoid cracking during baking.

Chicken liver pâté in puff pastry is more than just a dish – it is a culinary experience that brings together family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and, most importantly, every bite! Enjoy your meal!