Elegant Pâté En Croûte: a Savory French Delight

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large (50g) egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water (as needed)
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
• 2 oz (60g) pâté de foie gras (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15g) fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30ml) brandy or cognac
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
• 1/2 cup (75g) pistachios or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine flour and salt in a bowl, cutting in chilled butter until crumbly. Stir in cold water until the dough comes together; chill for 1 hour.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine ground meats, garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, brandy, salt, and pepper. Mix well and fold in optional ingredients like chopped nuts or foie gras.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough to line your pan, reserving some for the top. Fill with meat mixture, cover with dough, sealing the edges.

4. 4

   Apply egg wash on top and make a ventilation slit. Bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 45 minutes.

5. 5

   Let cool completely in the mold for an hour before slicing.