Vegan Walnut Pate – Faux Gras Recipe
This Vegan Walnut Pate is a creamy, flavorful faux gras perfect for spreading on bread or serving with fresh vegetables. Made from walnuts and a blend of savory spices, it offers a rich, smoky, and tangy taste without any dairy or animal products. It’s a wholesome and elegant option for plant-based meals and can be customized with different nuts or even made nut-free with a mushroom and lentil alternative.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut pieces (raw or toasted)
- 2 cups water
- 5 Tbsp tamari (or to taste)
- 4 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp agar agar
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1–2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Blend Ingredients: Add all the ingredients except the olive oil to a powerful blender and puree until smooth and creamy, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Simmer Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a good simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. Be cautious of splattering as the mixture heats.
- Set the Pate: Pour the hot pate mixture into an oiled glass container. Optionally, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness. Cover the container with a lid and refrigerate for a couple of hours until the pate is completely set and firm.
- Serve: Remove the lid and place a small plate on top of the container. Carefully invert it and tap gently if needed to release the pate onto the plate. Alternatively, serve directly from the container. Garnish with fresh herbs and accompany with crusty bread, tomatoes, or cornichons for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Substitutions: Instead of walnuts, you can use roasted chestnuts or hazelnuts for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free pate, substitute with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and cooked lentils. Though different, this makes a tasty alternative.
- Oil-Free Variation: To keep the pate compliant with Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) and Plantricious diets, omit the olive oil drizzle.
Keywords: vegan walnut pate, faux gras, plant-based pate, vegan appetizer, walnut spread, holiday pate, dairy-free pate