Lentil and Sunflower Seed Pâté
Discover how to make a delicious and healthy Lentil and Sunflower Seed Pâté using your food processor. This easy vegan pâté recipe is perfect as a spread or dip for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Toast the Sunflower Seeds
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds.
- Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it's translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Blend Everything Together
- In your food processor, add: Cooked lentils, Toasted sunflower seeds, Sautéed onions and garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, Remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
- Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother pâté, blend longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse just a few times.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill and Serve
- Transfer the pâté to a serving bowl or ramekin.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Make it Nutty: Add a handful of walnuts or almonds for extra richness.
- Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for some heat.
- Oil-Free Option: Sauté onions and garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil.
- Consistency Adjustment: If the pâté is too thick, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water.
- Flavor Boost: Roasting the garlic cloves before adding them can add a deeper flavor.
- Texture Variation: For a chunkier pâté, reserve some of the sunflower seeds to mix in after blending.
- Accompaniments: Goes well with pickles, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.