Lentil pâté with almonds and pumpkin seeds

Lentil Pâté with Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds

Who said healthy food can't be delicious? Today, I invite you to discover a simple and tasty recipe for lentil pâté with almonds and pumpkin seeds, which will not only delight your taste buds but also provide valuable nutrients to your diet. This pâté is ideal as an appetizer or snack, making it an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings with friends. With a quick preparation time and easily found ingredients, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 cup lentils (preferably green or red lentils)
- 1 handful of almonds (about 100 g)
- 1 handful of raw pumpkin seeds (about 100 g)
- 2 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Non-iodized salt, to taste
- Spices of choice (e.g., pepper, cumin, paprika)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 green onion
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1 sun-dried tomato preserved in olive oil (drained)

Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by rinsing the lentils well under cold running water. Then, place the lentils in a bowl with water, ensuring they are completely covered. Let the lentils soak for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. The same applies to the almonds, which will soak and become easier to process.

2. Cooking the lentils: The next day, drain the lentils and place them in a cooking pot. Add the sun-dried tomato (drained) and diced bell pepper. Pour in a cup of water and let them boil for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft. Finally, allow the mixture to cool.

3. Preparing the pâté: Transfer the lentil, tomato, and pepper mixture to the blender bowl. Add the almonds, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onion, dill, and parsley. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth paste, but with a pleasant texture. It is important to stop occasionally to taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

4. Cooling and serving: Once you have achieved the desired consistency, transfer the pâté to a lidded bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a tastier pâté.

5. Savory snack: Serve the pâté with fresh whole grain bread, homemade or store-bought, and fresh vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, peppers). It is an excellent appetizer for an evening with friends but also for a healthy lunch at the office.

Practical tips

- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can also add other legumes, such as chickpeas or beans, for a different taste.
- Texture: If you prefer a smoother pâté, you can add a little water during blending, but be careful not to make it too liquid.
- Spices: Experiment with spices! Add curry or a splash of soy sauce for a more exotic flavor.
- Storage: The pâté keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Nutritional benefits

This lentil pâté is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, thanks to the almonds and pumpkin seeds. Lentils are rich in iron and B vitamins, essential for overall health. Regular consumption of legumes can help maintain digestive health and cholesterol levels.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned lentils?: While possible, dried lentils offer a better texture and taste. If you choose the canned version, make sure to drain and rinse them well.
- What other seeds can I use?: You can replace the pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds or even nuts if you want a different flavor.
- Can it be frozen?: Yes! The pâté can be frozen in small portions and defrosts easily at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Delicious combinations

This pâté pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also accompany it with olives or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Lentil pâté with almonds and pumpkin seeds is not just a recipe; it's an invitation to explore new and healthy flavors. So, don't hesitate any longer and start today to indulge your taste buds with this savory delicacy! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 1 handful of almonds, 1 handful of raw pumpkin seeds, a little cold-pressed olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, uniodized salt, spices to taste, 1 bunch of fresh dill, 1 clove of garlic, 1 green onion, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, 1/2 bell pepper, 1 sun-dried tomato preserved in olive oil (drained of oil)

 Tags:  lentil patty