Emeril Lagasse’s Creton Recipe
Description:
Creton is a French-Canadian specialty, akin to a “pork pate,” known for its indulgent flavors and rich texture. While not the healthiest option, it is undeniably delicious, making it a popular choice for spreading on toast or crackers, especially when accompanied by hot mustard. In Quebec, it’s a common breakfast item, enjoyed by many for its hearty and satisfying qualities. The preparation time includes chilling, as it’s essential for allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 24 hours (includes chilling time)
- Total Time: 26 hours
- Servings: 6
- Yield: N/A
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 328.4
- Fat Content: 21g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8g
- Cholesterol Content: 92mg
- Sodium Content: 503.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 7.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.7g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 26.1g
Keywords:
Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, High Protein, Potluck, Weeknight, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/4 | Ground pork |
| 3/4 | Yellow onion |
| 1 | Garlic |
| 1 | Salt |
| 3/4 | Ground black pepper |
| 1/2 | Ground cloves |
| 1/4 | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/4 | Ground ginger |
| 1/4 | Nutmeg |
| 3/4 | Milk |
| 1/4 | Bread crumbs |
Instructions:
-
In a large sauté pan, add the ground pork and cook over medium heat until no longer pink, approximately 3 minutes.
-
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan, continuing to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly.
-
Pour in the milk and sprinkle the bread crumbs over the pork mixture, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes to combine all ingredients thoroughly and break up the meat.
-
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
-
Remove the lid and continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened, and all the liquid has evaporated, allowing the flavors to intensify.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired to suit your preference.
-
Transfer the cooked creton mixture to a decorative bowl or individual ramekins, smoothing the surface with a rubber spatula for an elegant presentation.
-
Cover the container(s) tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring airtight sealing, and refrigerate the creton for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set completely.
-
When ready to serve, remove the chilled creton from the refrigerator and accompany it with thinly sliced French bread or toasted French bread croutons, offering a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Enjoy this delightful French-Canadian treat, whether as a savory breakfast spread, a satisfying snack, or a flavorful addition to any mealtime occasion!
