Description
This Savory Mixed Mushroom Pâté is a rich and flavorful spread made with a blend of mushrooms, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect for entertaining, it’s vegetarian-friendly and pairs beautifully with crackers, toast, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- Mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter or olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Dry white wine or vegetable broth
- Cream cheese or cashew cream (for a vegan version)
- Walnuts or pecans (optional, for added texture and nuttiness)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Truffle oil (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Clean and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the onion and garlic. If using nuts, lightly toast them in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mixed mushrooms and thyme to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Blend the Mixture: Transfer the cooked mushroom mixture to a food processor. Add cream cheese (or cashew cream for a vegan option), toasted nuts (if using), a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of truffle oil (optional). Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the pâté to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and replace cream cheese with cashew cream or silken tofu.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Extra Umami: A splash of soy sauce or miso paste can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Spread
- Method: Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: mushroom pâté, vegetarian pâté, mushroom spread, gourmet appetizer, umami spread