Pâté with Pistachio Nuts
Indulge in the delightful and sophisticated flavors of our Pâté with Pistachio Nuts. This exquisite dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combines the rich taste of ground beef and pork with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries and the subtle crunch of pistachio nuts. A splash of port wine and cranberry juice adds a luxurious touch, making this pâté a true culinary masterpiece. Follow the detailed steps below to create this elegant appetizer that will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all the ingredients listed below. This recipe yields one loaf of pâté, ideal for serving with toast points or crackers.
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, shelled
- 1/3 cup port wine
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per loaf:
- Calories: 3171.9 kcal
- Fat: 208 g
- Saturated Fat: 74.2 g
- Cholesterol: 986.3 mg
- Sodium: 3261.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 70.5 g
- Fiber: 12.9 g
- Sugar: 19.3 g
- Protein: 227 g
Preparation Time
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Foil
- Another loaf pan (for weighting down the pâté)
- Cans (for weighting)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature by the time you are ready to bake the pâté.
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Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the pâté from sticking to the pan, allowing for easy removal later.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add all the other ingredients: dried cranberries, finely chopped onion, pistachio nuts, port wine, cranberry juice, dried sage, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, ground beef, and ground pork. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Form the Pâté: Press the mixture firmly into the greased loaf pan. Cover the top with foil to prevent the pâté from drying out during baking.
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Bake the Pâté: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours. This slow baking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory pâté.
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Drain the Fat: After baking, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. This step helps reduce the greasiness and makes for a cleaner, more appealing pâté.
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Weigh Down the Pâté: Cover the pâté with a piece of foil, placing it loosely over the top. Set another loaf pan atop the pâté, and fill this pan with cans to weigh it down. This process helps to compact the pâté, giving it a firm texture.
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Refrigerate: Transfer the weighted pâté to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for up to 2 days. This resting period not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the pâté sets properly.
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Serve: When ready to serve, invert the loaf pan onto a platter. Serve the pâté with toast points or crackers, allowing your guests to enjoy this delectable treat.
Serving Suggestions
For an elegant presentation, garnish the pâté with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Pair it with a selection of artisanal crackers, fresh baguette slices, or toast points. Accompany with a variety of pickles, mustard, and perhaps a side of cornichons to complement the rich flavors. A glass of port wine or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir makes a perfect pairing for this sophisticated appetizer.
Variations and Tips
- Nuts: If pistachios are not available, feel free to substitute with other nuts such as almonds or walnuts. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor to the pâté.
- Dried Fruits: Dried cherries or apricots can be used in place of cranberries for a different twist.
- Seasonings: Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- Texture: For a smoother pâté, blend a portion of the mixture before pressing it into the loaf pan.
Storage
Store the pâté in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen. Wrap the pâté tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This Pâté with Pistachio Nuts is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures in a harmonious blend. The preparation is simple yet rewarding, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings. Enjoy the process of creating this elegant pâté and savor the rich, delightful taste that it brings to your table. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a sophisticated soirée, this pâté is sure to be a memorable culinary highlight.
