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Green lentil pate in a small bowl

Smooth and easy to make green lentil paté

This simple and flavorful paté, and yet very healthy, is perfect as a quick comforting snack or a great appetizer for when you have guests. And it's easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Lentils soaking time (optional) 2 hours
Course Appetizer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green lentils soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 diced medium onion
  • 2-3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder or more if you prefer spicy
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • fresh coriander leaves for garnishing optional

Instructions
 

  • Soak the lentils in water for minimum 2 hours or overnight; rinse after soaking;
  • Put the lentils with the bay leaves in a medium sized pot with 2 cups of water; bring to a boil and let it simmer until the water is absorbed by the lentils;
  • When the lentils are cooked set aside and take out the bay leaves;
  • In a large pan add the 2 tbsp of olive oil and, when it’s hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they turn yellow; stir continuously to prevent burning;
  • Add the cooked lentils together with the rest of the ingredients (except the olive oil) and ½ cup of water (or more if you prefer it less thick) and cook for 10 minutes; set aside and allow it to cool;
  • Put the lentils with the remained 2 tbsp of olive oil in a high speed blender or a food processor;
  • Blend the lentils until you get a smooth paste;
  • Transfer it to a bowl, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Cook the lentils a little more than you would do normally to make them soft and easy to blend;
  2. If you want to get a less thick spread, add 1 cup of water in step 4 (instead of ½ cup); you can also adjust the quantity of olive oil when blending the lentils;
  3. You can keep the paté in the fridge in a tight lid container for about a week.
Keyword appetizer, green lentils, healthy snack