Silky-Smooth Vegetarian Pâté With Roasted Cauliflower and Pecans Recipe

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]
Most vegetarian pâtés rely on mushrooms for their meaty texture and flavor, but this one turns to a surprise ingredient—roasted cauliflower—for similar effect. Pecans help thicken the purée to a pâté-like consistency, while splashes of brandy and soy sauce add even more savory depth.
Why It Works
- Roasting the cauliflower brings out a deeper richness and dehydrates it slightly, helping to create a thicker, more pâté-like purée later.
- Soaking the pecans makes it easier to purée them to a smooth consistency.
- Soy sauce and brandy bring out a deep, meat-like savory flavor.
Read more: Cauliflower Is the Star of This Smooth, Creamy Vegetarian Pâté
- Yield:Makes about 4 cups (1L)
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time:1 hour 30 minutes
- Rated:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pecans (about 1/2 cup; 60g)
- 1 head cauliflower (2 pounds; 925g), trimmed and cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter (see note)
- 1 large yellow onion (8 ounces; 225g), thinly sliced
- 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy
- 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream (see note)
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) soy sauce
Directions
-
1.
In a bowl, cover pecans with at least 1 inch water and let soak for 1 hour.
-
2.
Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Place cauliflower on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast, flipping cauliflower with a thin metal spatula halfway through roasting, until tender and deeply browned on both sides, about 20 minutes total.
-
3.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and cayenne and cook, stirring often, until softened and just starting to turn golden, about 4 minutes. Add brandy and cook until completely evaporated.
-
4.
Add cauliflower, cream, and thyme. Drain pecans and add to saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then cook, adjusting heat to maintain simmer, until cauliflower has softened and liquid has reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 10 minutes. Discard thyme sprig. Add soy sauce.
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5.
Using a blender or immersion blender, blend cauliflower and liquid to form a very smooth purée. Season with salt and pepper. To chill rapidly, spread vegetarian pâté in a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet (a quarter-sheet size is best for this), then press plastic wrap directly against pâté's surface, pushing out any air. Otherwise, transfer pâté to a heatproof container and press plastic directly against surface. Refrigerate until well chilled. Transfer to a serving vessel and serve with crackers or toasted baguette rounds.
This Recipe Appears In
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