Often when I prepare Chinese Pie I think of my mother, and I smile because she left me with an incredibly simple way of preparing a meal many people have enjoyed for as long as I’ve been serving it. When people first hear the name, they question it to the point where conversation about it continues on into quite a few mouthfuls. I tell people that I think the name originated in Canada since the recipe was in the hands of quite a few French Canadians of my mother’s generation who could turn two items – ground beef and potatoes – into a variety of delectable meals using different spices, vegetables, shapes and cooking methods.
The recipe is foolproof, time after time, guests praise it, and on their return, request it. The request part is the all-important part because without it, you’re left wondering, did they really like it? So, the next time you’re laboring over the what’s for dinner question, perhaps you’ll think Chinese Pie.
This is the recipe, quantity of ingredients can easily be added or subtracted, without interferring with its original taste. Don’t be concerned by the simple ingredients – once you’ve prepared it, and enjoyed it, you’ll be fine. Of course, your vegan and raw foodist friends will not be happy. Another time we’ll attend to their palates. ha ha
Shop for:
1 1/2 lbs of organic ground beef
1 large organic onion, chopped
2 organic garlic cloves, diced
1 frozen package of organic corn
1 can creamed corn
4 large organic potatoes – I usually add more because most people can’t seem to get enough of mashed potatoes
1 pyrex dish for a comfortable fit of ingredients
cooking:
saute onion for a few minutes before adding the chopped garlic, continue sauteeing til onion is lightly browned
set onion and garlic aside, and saute the organic ground beef, drain
mix the packaged corn with the canned creamed corn
cook potatoes (Optional: add as many unpeeled garlic cloves as you want to the water – this is a new addition) When cooked, mash potatoes and peeled garlic with Celtic salt and pepper, using either milk or the water potatoes and garlic were cooked in to make it a creamy consistency
preheat oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
preparation:
thoroughly mix the sauteed onion and garlic with the sauteed ground beef and place in the bottom of the pyrex dish
put the thoroughly mixed corn on top
top and lightly spread with the mashed potatoes and garlic
put into preheated oven for about 40 minutes, depending on whether you’ve added or substracted from the ingredients. When juices are gently bubbling and potatoes are fairly hot, not crusty, the Chinese Pie is ready.
A beautifully-made organic salad and warm crusty, not doughy, French or Italian bread are a scrumptious addition.
Prepare with lots of love and enjoy.