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 mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Lentils soaking time (optional) 2 hours hrs
- 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
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.
- Cook the lentils a little more than you would do normally to make them soft and easy to blend;
- 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;
- You can keep the paté in the fridge in a tight lid container for about a week.
Keyword appetizer, green lentils, healthy snack