Crostini with Lentil Pate

November 5, 2019

An earthy, peppery spread over toasted bread creates the perfect starter course that will keep you feeling grounded, with lots of endurance.  

Makes 4-8 servings

Ingredient List:

  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, smashed, minced
  • Sea salt
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed well
  • 3 cups spring or filtered water
  • balsamic vinegar
  • ½ roasted red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole grain baguette, thickly sliced (½-1 inch)

Step By Step Instructions:

Place a small amount of oil along with onion and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. When the onion begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and sauté until onions are translucent, 2-3 minutes.  Add carrot and celery, a pinch of salt and sauté until shiny with oil.  Spread veggies over the bottom of the pot and add bay leaf.  Top with lentils and water.  Bring to a boil, uncovered.  Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are quite soft, about 35-40 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and simmer 3-5 minutes more.  If any cooking liquid remains, remove lid and cook over medium heat until liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat, stir in a generous splash of balsamic vinegar and transfer to a food processor.  Puree, by pulsing, until thick and semi-smooth. You want a pate-like texture, not a cream. Fold in roasted red pepper.

To prepare the crostini, slice the bread to desired thickness and place on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with oil on top side and sprinkle lightly with salt.  Bake at 400o until golden and crispy for about 8 minutes. Set a timer so you don’t burn the bread.  

Spread pate on toasted bread and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately.