Smoked Tuna Pâté with Crostini
If you find yourself with an abundance of smoked tuna, thanks to a fishing enthusiast in the family, this delightful Smoked Tuna Pâté is the perfect way to put it to use. Ideal for gatherings such as Super Bowl parties, this recipe provides a savory spread that pairs wonderfully with crispy crostini, which are perfect for spreading without crumbling. If you’re a fan of making spreads for large groups, this one is sure to impress. Here’s a detailed guide to creating this delectable pâté and its crunchy accompaniment.
Ingredients
For the Smoked Tuna Pâté:
- 1 can (12 ounces) smoked tuna, drained and flaked
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cognac
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Herbs of your choice, for seasoning (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Instructions
Preparing the Smoked Tuna Pâté:
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Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Start by allowing the cream cheese and unsalted butter to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to blend the ingredients smoothly. Cut them into small chunks to facilitate mixing.
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Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked smoked tuna, cream cheese, and butter. Use a hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until they are well combined but still retain some texture.
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Add Flavors: Incorporate the finely chopped red onion, fresh dill, chopped capers, lemon juice, and cognac into the mixture. Continue to beat the ingredients just until blended. It’s important not to over-beat; the pâté should have some texture and not be too smooth.
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Season to Taste: Season the mixture with freshly ground pepper according to your preference.
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Chill the Pâté: Line a 1-quart crock or mold with plastic wrap. Pack the pâté mixture into the lined crock, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pâté to firm up.
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Serve: When ready to serve, carefully un-mold the pâté onto a serving platter and remove the plastic wrap. Garnish with extra capers and lemon wedges. Serve at room temperature alongside the crostini.
Preparing the Crostini:
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
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Slice the Baguette: Cut the French baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices in a single layer on baking sheets.
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Prepare the Bread: Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with your choice of herbs for added flavor.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crostini are crisp and lightly golden brown.
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Cool and Store: Allow the crostini to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or ziplock bags. This recipe should yield approximately 5 to 6 dozen slices, depending on the size of your baguettes and the thickness of the slices.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 418.2 per serving
- Fat: 23.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9.7 grams
- Cholesterol: 48.6 milligrams
- Sodium: 529.8 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 37.1 grams
- Fiber: 2.2 grams
- Sugar: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 14.9 grams
This recipe serves approximately 15 people, making it a fantastic choice for a party or a larger gathering. The creamy, flavorful smoked tuna pâté paired with the crunchy crostini is sure to be a hit, offering a savory bite that complements a variety of party spreads. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and the satisfying crunch of homemade crostini with every bite! 🌟
