RED-LENTIL AND RED-PEPPER PâTé

Red-Lentil and Red-Pepper Pâté image

Categories Food Processor Garlic Onion Cocktail Party Vegetarian Cream Cheese Spice Lentil Bell Pepper Healthy Gourmet

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

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Ingredients

For pâté
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup thinly sliced onions (2 medium)
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika (not hot)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (sweet or hot)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups red lentils (10 ounces), picked over and rinsed
2 cups water
1 tablespoon agar flakes
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup chopped bottled roasted red peppers (6 ounces), patted dry
For topping
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped bottled roasted red and/or yellow peppers (2 ounces), patted dry
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano or marjoram
Accompaniment: lightly toasted baguette slices
Special Equipment
a 1-quart rectangular ceramic terrine; parchment paper

Steps:

Make pâté:
pâté Lightly oil terrine, then line bottom and ends with a strip of parchment paper, allowing at least 2 inches of overhang on each end of terrine.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, garlic, bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together coriander, paprikas, black pepper, cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
Add spice mixture to onion mixture in saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and bring to a simmer, uncovered, then reduce heat to low and add lentils, water, and agar flakes. Cover saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Remove lid and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils have fallen apart and mixture is thickened, about 20 minutes more. Stir in vinegar and discard bay leaf.
Purée cream cheese, 1/2 cup red peppers, and remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a food processor until smooth. Add lentil mixture and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pure until smooth.
Force mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl with a large rubber spatula, scraping sieve. Discard lentil skins. Stir in oregano and remaining 1/4 cup red peppers. Pour mixture into terrine, smoothing top, and chill, loosely covered, at least 8 hours.
Run a sharp paring knife along long sides of terrine, then invert a platter over terrine and invert pâté onto platter. Holding 1 end of parchment overhang against platter, lift off terrine. Discard parchment paper. Let pâté stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
Make topping:
Stir together oil, red and/or yellow peppers, vinegar, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve pâté topped with pepper mixture.