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Recipe Detail Page
Maple-Lentil Pâté with Merlot Jelly
Spring 2023
While most traditional pâtés are made from pork, poultry or game, this recipe is fully vegan. Lentils give it a suitably smooth, rich consistency, caramelized onions lend a depth of flavour, and maple syrup brings its smoky sweetness. Topped with a vibrant layer of red wine jelly, this pâté will satisfy vegans and carnivores alike. Seaweed-based agar agar powder can be found at many natural food shops or online.
Serves 4 to 6
PÂTÉ
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) thinly sliced Vidalia onion, about
1 large onion
1/4 cup (60 mL) Merlot, preferably Pelee Island Lola Merlot VQA
2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
1 can (540 mL) lentils, drained, rinsed
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
MERLOT JELLY
1/4 cup (60 mL) Merlot, preferably Pelee Island Lola Merlot VQA
1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup
1/4 tsp (1 mL) agar agar powder
Sliced baguette and/or crackers for serving
1. For the pâté, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions start to caramelize, 15 to 20 minutes. Add wine. Cook, stirringly occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add maple syrup. Cook, stirring often, until onions are nicely caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. In a food processor, combine onions, lentils and cinnamon. Run machine, stopping to scrape down sides, until very smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide pâté equally between two 8-oz (250-mL) ramekins. Gently rap ramekins against counter to level tops. Set aside.
3. For the Merlot jelly, combine ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. When it comes to a simmer, cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 4 minutes.
4. Working quickly, divide jelly mixture evenly over two pâté containers. Chill in fridge 30 minutes to set jelly. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 5 days. Serve chilled, and arrange on a platter with baguette and/or crackers.
Serves 4 to 6
