Smoky Vegan Walnut Pate

Smoky vegan walnut pate has rich layers of flavor everyone loves. An easy recipe that can be used many ways, it is a crowd pleaser for holidays, game day, and all parties.

recipe originally published October 23, 2010

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:

1. 1. Why this smoky walnut pate is so popular
   2. How to serve vegan pate
   3. How to roast walnuts
   4. Variations on this recipe
   5. How long does vegan pate last?
   6. Jump to recipe: Smoky Vegan Walnut Pate

Why you'll love this recipe

Smoky vegan walnut pate is the unique addition to your appetizer table that will be devoured quickly! We have been making this for more than a decade and people always love it. Here are some reasons why:

• The combination of smoky spices and walnuts bring incredible layers of flavor. Using both fresh sautéed and dried mushrooms adds more flavor depth you cannot get enough of.
• A perfect party offering for holidays and beyond, this easy vegan pate recipe can be made ahead. Always a great party prepping hack, I love make ahead recipes.
• Serve this several ways: as a dip, a topping for one bite appetizers, and as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

The result from combining earthy walnuts with savory tamari? Unexpected savory flavors that will truly become a favorite.

 

How to serve this savory vegan pate

We often make this vegan walnut pate as an appetizer to dip or on toasted baguette, but there are many possibilities for this delicious savory spread. 

• Sandwich or wrap spread: In place of hummus or mayonnaise, vegan pate adds smoky flavor to your favorite sandwich or wrap.
• Salad dressing: Add a couple tablespoons pate to a large bowl, and whisk in some water to thin. Add your favorite salad greens and toss to coat.
• One bite appetizers: Spoon some vegan pate into endive leaves, roasted potato halves, or tomato slices for a flavorful one bite snack.

 

How to roast nuts

For richer flavor, toast nuts before using them in this pate. 

• Stovetop toast: Add nuts to a dry skillet and warm over low heat, 2 to 4 minutes.
• Oven roast: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, 7 to 9 minutes.

Ingredient variations 

• Instead of fresh cremini mushrooms, use fresh shiitake mushrooms. Any fresh mushroom will work.

• The dried mushrooms add so much flavor to this vegan pate. In place of the dried mushrooms, mushroom powder is an easy way to add rich umami to recipes.

• Add tofu when sautéing the mushrooms and aromatics for more protein and to expand the recipe servings.

How long does this recipe last?

My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy this vegan pate within three days.

Refrigerate any leftovers in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.

 

Did you make this savory vegan pate? 

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Yield: 2 cups / 12 servings

Smoky Walnut Pâté

Print

This delicious appetizer is a party favorite with rich layers of flavor everyone loves.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup roasted walnuts
• 4 ounces dried shiitake mushrooms or mushroom powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable broth
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 stalks celery, trimmed and diced
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 3 tablespoons dry vermouth (or dry white wine)
• 2 teaspoons gluten free tamari (soy sauce if not GF)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground fennel
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. In high speed blender or food processor, combine walnuts with mushroom powder or dried shiitake mushrooms. Blend to a fine powder and leave in blender jar.
2. Peel, trim, and dice onion, garlic, and celery.
3. Add olive oil or vegetable broth to a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery and fresh mushrooms.
4. Sauté until onion and celery soften. Add vermouth, tamari, thyme, pepper, fennel, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir to combine and continue to sauté for several more minutes, until vermouth cooks down.
5. Carefully transfer this sautéed mixture to the blender jar with the walnut - mushroom powder. Blend on high speed, stopping to scrape sides as needed, Blend to a smooth consistency.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with toasted baguette, vegetables and crackers,

Notes

How to serve vegan pate

We often make this vegan walnut pate as an appetizer to dip or on toasted baguette, but there are many possibilities for this delicious savory spread. 

• Sandwich or wrap spread: In place of hummus or mayonnaise, vegan pate adds smoky flavor to your favorite sandwich or wrap.
• Salad dressing: Add a couple tablespoons pate to a large bowl, and whisk in some water to thin. Add your favorite salad greens and toss to coat.
• One bite appetizers: Spoon some vegan pate into endive leaves, roasted potato halves, or tomato slices for a flavorful one bite snack.

How to roast nuts

For richer flavor, toast nuts before using them in this pate. 

• Stovetop toast: Add nuts to a dry skillet and warm over low heat, 2 to 4 minutes.
• Oven roast: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, 7 to 9 minutes.

Ingredient variations

• Instead of fresh cremini mushrooms, use fresh shiitake mushrooms. Any fresh mushroom will work.
• The dried mushrooms add so much flavor to this vegan pate. In place of the dried mushrooms, mushroom powder is an easy way to add rich umami to recipes.
• Add tofu when sautéing the mushrooms and aromatics for more protein and to expand the recipe servings.

How long does this recipe last?

My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy this vegan pate within three days.

Refrigerate any leftovers in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.

Why you'll love this recipe

Smoky vegan walnut pate is the unique addition to your appetizer table that will be devoured quickly! We have been making this for more than a decade and people always love it. Here are some reasons why:

• The combination of smoky spices and walnuts bring incredible layers of flavor. Using both fresh sautéed and dried mushrooms adds more flavor depth you cannot get enough of.
• A perfect party offering for holidays and beyond, this easy vegan pate recipe can be made ahead. Always a great party prepping hack, I love make ahead recipes.
• Serve this several ways: as a dip, a topping for one bite appetizers, and as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

The result from combining earthy walnuts with savory tamari? Unexpected savory flavors that will truly become your favorite!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Vitamix, Low-Profile
• 
  Organic Shiitake Mushroom Powder
• 
  Vegan Certified Chicken Bouillon
• 
  Vermouth Extra Dry
• 
  Organic Smoked Paprika
• 
  Ground Fennel
• 
  Organic Walnut Halves
• 
  Organic Tamari Less Sodium
• 
  Cast Iron Skillet

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 5gSodium: 48mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.

 

about Kristina:

Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food!  Read more...

 

 

 

 

 

spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.