Creamy Almond Pâté with Basil and Lemon Recipe
This Almond Pâté is a creamy, flavorful spread made from raw almonds and fresh basil, perfect for appetizers or as a healthy snack. Blended with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of cayenne pepper, this pâté brings a delightful combination of nutty and herbaceous flavors with a subtle spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Almond Pâté Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds (do not soak)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including raw unsalted almonds, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cayenne pepper, and water to ensure smooth preparation.
- Blend Almonds and Garlic: In a food processor or blender, combine the almonds and garlic. Pulse until the almonds are finely ground but not completely pulverized, creating a coarse base for the pâté.
- Add Basil and Liquids: Add the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, and water to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
- Season and Adjust: Add salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to the pâté. Blend again briefly to distribute the seasoning uniformly throughout the mixture. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if desired for a more balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the almond pâté to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Raw almonds are used without soaking to maintain a robust texture and flavor. Soaking will soften almonds but change the texture significantly.
- You can substitute basil with other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Olive oil quality will affect flavor; use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Almond pâté, vegan pâté, basil almond spread, appetizer spread, vegetarian dip