Armenian Bean And Walnut Pâté Recipes

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.

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.