Lentil pâté with olives

Lentil Pâté with Olives - a Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Who doesn't love a savory appetizer that surprises with its intense flavor and creamy texture? The lentil pâté with olives is a perfect choice, especially during fasting periods or when you want a healthy and nourishing snack. This recipe is not only simple but also accessible in terms of ingredients, making it ideal for any housewife who wants to try something new.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients

- 150 g dried green lentils (an excellent source of plant-based protein)
- 1 medium onion (for added flavor)
- 1 carrot (adds sweetness and a splash of color)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for a rich taste and fine texture)
- 1 clove of garlic (for aroma)
- 100 g pitted olives (a delicious choice)
- 1 lemon (the lemon juice brings a perfect contrast)
- Sweet paprika (for a touch of color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (for a touch of freshness)

Preparing the lentil pâté

1. Preparing the lentils: Start by washing the lentils in several waters to remove impurities. It is recommended to soak them for 4-5 hours, but ideally, leave them overnight. This will help reduce cooking time and make the lentils easier to digest.

2. Boiling the lentils: After soaking, drain the water and rinse again. Then, place the lentils in a pressure cooker with water and a pinch of salt. Boil for 10 minutes. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry! You can boil the lentils in a regular pot until they become soft, which may take 20-30 minutes.

3. Cooling the lentils: After boiling, drain the lentils and let them cool slightly.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the onion and chop it finely. Grate the peeled carrot on a large grater. In a pan, heat the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion and carrot for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.

5. The magic combination: In a large bowl, place the boiled lentils, sautéed vegetables, the garlic clove (chopped finely), and the spices. Blend everything with a hand mixer or in a blender until you achieve a creamy and smooth paste.

6. Adjusting the taste: If you want a more tangy taste, add the lemon juice. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more olive oil or the water in which the lentils were boiled.

7. Finalizing the dish: Add the diced olives and mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

8. Serving the pâté: Garnish the lentil pâté as you wish. You can use lemon slices, whole olives, or a few parsley leaves for a more appealing look. Serve it with toasted bread or crackers for a delicious snack.

Useful tips

- Choosing lentils: Green lentils are preferred for this recipe due to their texture, but you can also experiment with red or brown lentils.
- Variations: You can add other spices, such as cumin or coriander, to customize the flavor of the pâté.
- Storage: The lentil pâté can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy snack.
- Combinations: This pâté pairs wonderfully with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with green olives. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine, which will highlight the intense flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Lentils are an extremely nutritious food, rich in protein and fiber, which contribute to maintaining digestive health. They also contain essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Olive oil adds healthy fatty acids, and olives are full of antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned lentils? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- How can I make the pâté spicier? Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.
- Is it suitable for vegans? Absolutely! This is a 100% vegan recipe, perfect for anyone looking to reduce animal product consumption.

This lentil pâté with olives is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of creativity into the kitchen. With every bite, you will discover a blend of flavors that will delight you. So, prepare the ingredients and let’s enjoy a tasty and healthy appetizer together!