Armenian Bean And Walnut 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.

ARMENIAN BEAN AND WALNUT PâTé

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the beans to a boil with the water, onion, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, until the beans are very tender. Skim off any white foam that forms at the top as the beans cook.
• Drain the beans into a colander and discard the bay leaf.
• While the beans are still warm, toss them with the walnuts, garlic, and butter in a medium mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper. You will need at least 1½ teaspoons of salt. Stir until everything is combined and the butter has softened and is evenly distributed throughout.
• Puree the mixture in a food processor fitted with a metal blade, until smooth and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. You should have a thick bean puree or paste.
• In a small mixing bowl, mix the herbs together and then blend half of them into the beans.
• Spread the puree ¼ to ½ inch thick onto a small baking sheet, lined with plastic wrap. Cool completely at room temperature, for at least 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the puree generously with the ¼ cup pomegranate seeds and remaining fresh herbs, and then roll the puree into a log from one end to the other, using the plastic wrap to help roll.
• Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it again for 2 hours or overnight.
• Cut the log into ½-to 1-inch-thtck slices and garnish with walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

ARMENIAN BEAN AND WALNUT PATE

Steps:

• Bring beans and water to a boil with onion and bay leaf. Simmer until tender. Drain well and discard bay leaf. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, puree with walnuts, butter, chopped garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth and creamy. Mix chopped herbs together and blend half of them into the beans.
• Season well and spread onto a small baking sheet, lined with plastic wrap. Cool completely.
• Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds and remaining fresh herbs then roll into logs, using the plastic wrap to help roll. Wrap tightly and chill again.
• Slice and garnish with walnuts and pomegranate seeds.