Chilied Mushroom And Cashew Pate Recipes

VEGETARIAN SPINACH-WALNUT PATE

Steps:

• Special equipment: 5-inch ramekin
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Line a 5-inch ramekin with plastic wrap, leaving at least a 2-inch overhang; smooth out the plastic in the ramekin as much as possible.
• Add the spinach to the pot of water, stir to submerge and cook until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Drain and let cool completely. Squeeze every last drop of water out of the spinach, then finely chop. Transfer to a medium bowl.
• Process the walnuts, 1/3 cup warm water, cilantro, tarragon, dill, vinegar, scallions, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, coriander and cayenne in a food processor until the mixture is the consistency of mayonnaise.
• Add the walnut-herb mixture to the bowl with the spinach, and stir to combine thoroughly. Spoon into the prepared ramekin, and pat down with the back of the spoon to compact. Cover with the plastic overhang, and refrigerate at least 4 hours up to overnight.
• To serve, unwrap and invert onto a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts. Serve with crackers or crudites.

CASHEW MUSHROOM PATE

Steps:

• In a food processor, chop mushrooms by pulsing on and off until mushrooms are coarsely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl.
• Process onion and carrot in same manner. Transfer to a small bowl. Rinse out processor.
• In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add ground mushrooms, lemon juice, garlic, tarragon and sherry. Cook, stirring occasionally until most of liquid in pan has evaporated, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl.
• In a dry medium frying pan, toast cashew pieces over high heat, shaking pan back and forth to prevent scorching, until nuts turn golden, 3-4 minutes.
• Transfer to a plate and let cool 5 minutes. In a processor, pulse nuts until finely ground.
• Add ground nuts to mushroom mixture. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.