VEGETARIAN SPINACH-WALNUT PATE

Vegetarian Spinach-Walnut Pate image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 4h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (not baby), large stems removed
3/4 cup walnuts, plus more, chopped, for garnish
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh tarragon leaves
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh dill fronds
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 scallions, roughly chopped
2 small cloves garlic, smashed
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Crackers or crudites, for serving

Steps:

Special equipment: 5-inch ramekin
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Line a 5-inch ramekin with plastic wrap, leaving at least a 2-inch overhang; smooth out the plastic in the ramekin as much as possible.
Add the spinach to the pot of water, stir to submerge and cook until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Drain and let cool completely. Squeeze every last drop of water out of the spinach, then finely chop. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Process the walnuts, 1/3 cup warm water, cilantro, tarragon, dill, vinegar, scallions, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, coriander and cayenne in a food processor until the mixture is the consistency of mayonnaise.
Add the walnut-herb mixture to the bowl with the spinach, and stir to combine thoroughly. Spoon into the prepared ramekin, and pat down with the back of the spoon to compact. Cover with the plastic overhang, and refrigerate at least 4 hours up to overnight.
To serve, unwrap and invert onto a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts. Serve with crackers or crudites.