Vegetarian Lentil Pâté

Vegetarian Lentil Pâté is a delicious and healthy spread that’s perfect for any occasion. This tasty pâté is made with lentils, which are not only nutritious but also absorb all the wonderful flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs. The rich texture of the lentils, combined with the earthy taste of the spices, makes Vegetarian Lentil Pâté a delightful treat for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick snack, this pâté is sure to impress. It’s a perfect addition to your meal prep or can even be enjoyed as a topping on toast!

Simple Ingredients for Big Flavor

The key to the amazing flavor of Vegetarian Lentil Pâté lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. To start, you’ll need cooked lentils, which serve as the base of the pâté. Add onions, garlic, and olive oil to create a savory depth. The flavor is enhanced with herbs like thyme and bay leaves, which give the pâté an aromatic touch. With just a few ingredients, Vegetarian Lentil Pâté proves that simplicity can still lead to something extraordinary.

Easy to Prepare and Serve

Making Vegetarian Lentil Pâté is surprisingly easy, even for those who are new to cooking. Begin by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then mix in the cooked lentils and let them absorb the flavors. Blend the mixture until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You’ll have a creamy, spreadable pâté in no time. Serve it on crackers, bread, or vegetables for a delightful appetizer or snack. Vegetarian Lentil Pâté is also great as a sandwich spread or even paired with a salad for a light lunch.

A Healthy and Versatile Treat

What makes Vegetarian Lentil Pâté even more appealing is how healthy and versatile it is. Packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, it’s a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat cleaner. You can customize the flavor by adding extra spices or even a bit of lemon juice for a zesty twist. Vegetarian Lentil Pâté is a perfect dish to include in your weekly meal rotation, providing both taste and nourishment. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Chef’s Notes- Vegetarian Lentil Pâté

• Lentil Texture: Make sure the lentils are fully cooked and tender before blending. Overcooking them will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture, which is ideal for the pâté.
• Sautéing Onions: Don’t rush the process of sautéing the onions. The longer you cook them over medium heat, the sweeter and more flavorful they become, contributing to the richness of the pâté.
• Blending Tip: For a super-smooth consistency, blend the lentils and onions mixture for a longer time. If you prefer some texture, pulse the ingredients briefly for a chunkier pâté.
• Draining Lentils: After cooking the lentils, ensure you drain any excess liquid completely. This will prevent the pâté from being too watery and give it the right consistency.
• Customize Your Spread: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews for variations in texture and flavor. You can also add a spoonful of tahini or vegan cream cheese for a richer, creamier spread.
• Flavor Depth: To add an extra layer of depth to the flavor, try adding garlic during the sautéing process or stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar when cooking the onions.
• Chilling Time: For the best results, make sure to refrigerate the pâté for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and firm up the pâté for easy spreading.

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Vegetarian Lentil Pâté

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Appetizer, SnackCuisine: American, VegetarianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

35

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

387

kcal

Resting Time

2

hours 

Total time

2

hours 

35

minutes

Discover the delightful Vegetarian Lentil Pâté, a scrumptious and wholesome alternative to traditional liver pâté! Perfect for gatherings, this spread combines hearty lentils, crunchy walnuts, and savory onions to create a rich, flavorful dip that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy snack, this versatile recipe is sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor and creamy texture. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this easy-to-make, budget-friendly pâté that’s packed with plant-based goodness!

Ingredients

• Legumes Nuts

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 cup cooked lentils

• Vegetables

• 1 large finely diced onion

• Liquids Oils

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1 tsp premium olive oil

• Seasonings

• 2 vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Vegetable Bouillon: Replace with miso paste for a gluten-free option.

• Walnuts: Substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

• Olive Oil: Use avocado oil as an alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Lentils: Black beans can replace lentils for a different texture and taste.

Directions

• Cooking Lentils: Start by combining 2 cups of boiling water with 1 cup of lentils and 2 bouillon cubes in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Once cooked, drain the excess liquid thoroughly to ensure a smooth pâté texture.
• Sautéing Onions: While the lentils are cooking, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the final spread.
• Blending Ingredients: Transfer the cooked lentils, sautéed onions, and 1 cup of walnuts to a food processor. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pâté-like consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, blend longer, or for a chunkier spread, pulse briefly.
• Chilling the Pâté: Transfer the blended mixture into a serving dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate the pâté for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Serving Suggestions (Optional): Before serving, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a complete appetizer experience.

Equipment

• Food Processor
• skillet
• pot
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 387kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Potassium: 480mg
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 17g
• Vitamin A: 8IU
• Vitamin C: 7mg
• Calcium: 45mg
• Iron: 4mg

FAQ- Vegetarian Lentil Pâté

Can I use a different type of nut in place of walnuts?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

How can I make this pâté spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even chili flakes to the mixture before blending.

How long will this pâté last in the fridge?

The pâté will last for up to five days in an airtight container in the fridge. It also freezes well, so you can store it in small portions for up to 1 month.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This pâté is perfect for make-ahead prep. Just prepare and chill it the night before your event to save time and enhance the flavors.

What can I serve this pâté with?

This pâté is versatile and pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh veggie sticks (like carrots, celery, or cucumber), toasted baguette slices, or even spread on sandwiches for a quick and healthy snack.