When I was pregnant with Kenya, my husband and I took birthing classes right next door to one of my husband’s favorite restaurants, Real Food Daily. My husband, who I often refer to as a pretend vegan, was endlessly happy about this fact because it meant he could eat at RFD once a week. My hubby says that every time he leaves there, he instantly feels more healthy.
Don’t get me wrong, I live for vegetables, but I’m also a big time carnivore. Yet somehow, even though I was the one eating for two, each week I found myself indulging my husband’s pregnancy cravings.
One appetizer on the menu at RFD that everyone who has had it adores is their Lentil Pate. They serve it with wheat-free rice sesame crackers and it’s absolutely addictive.
This is my version which I tweaked a bit so it would work using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already. I admit that it’s not the most pleasing dish to the eye, but after just one bite of this creamy spread you won’t be concerned about looks. Packed with tons of umami flavor from the miso and a rich nutty finish, this is one of those protein-packed dips you’ll want to keep stocked in your fridge all the time…especially in case my husband ever knocks on your door.
Lentil Walnut Dip
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups walnuts halves or pieces, toasted*
- 3 tablespoons yellow miso
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- *To toast the walnuts, spread out on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes -- or in a sauté pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, shaking continuously.
I have been making this for over a year now, in fact my grocery store started carrying miso just for me! I love it Catherine and I love your site
That should be fine, but I would play around with the amounts to see how you like the flavor!
Can I use red miso in this recipe? Maybe just using less of it?
I made this recipe a few weeks ago for a friend’s birthday party. I was planning on making it for a friend’s baby shower this weekend, and when I went searching for it, couldn’t find it. I didn’t remember the site, I didn’t remember the exact search terms, but I remembered your story. So I finally found it by searching “my husband loves the lentil walnut pate”. Google for the win! Printing it out this time 🙂
So excited since I found your website. Can’t wait to start cooking.