Carrot pâté is a vibrant and flavorful spread that’s both nutritious and versatile. It’s perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or serving as part of a veggie platter. Here’s a detailed recipe for you!
Carrot Pâté Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional): Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Carrots: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the chopped carrots until tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cooked carrots, sautéed onion and garlic, tahini (if using), lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. You may need to add a splash of water or additional olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste the pâté and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
-
Chill: Transfer the pâté to a serving dish or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Serve: Before serving, give the pâté a stir. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Spread on toasted baguette slices or whole grain bread for a tasty snack.
- On Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers for dipping, especially those with seeds or grains.
- As Part of a Platter: Include it on a veggie platter alongside hummus, olives, and other dips.
Variations
- Spicy Carrot Pâté: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herbed Carrot Pâté: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives for added freshness.
- Nutty Addition: Blend in some toasted nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors may improve as they meld together.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful carrot pâté! If you have any questions or need more ideas, feel free to ask!
