Pate With Pistachios
A rich, savory pâté with pistachios, combining tender meats and aromatic spices, perfect for elegant appetizers or pâté platters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean pork, cut in 1 inch cubes ⓘ
- 3/4 lb lean veal, cut in 1 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 lb cooked ham, cut in 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shallots, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shelled, toasted pistachios ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg ⓘ
- pinch cinnamon ⓘ
- pinch cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 slices lean bacon ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut pork and veal into 1-inch cubes. Cut ham into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in thyme, crumbled bay leaf, allspice, ground cloves, grated nutmeg, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the pork, veal, and ham to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in dry white wine, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Chop toasted pistachios and stir into the meat mixture.
- Line a small baking dish with bacon slices, then transfer the meat mixture into the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or cognac when cooking the meat mixture. If you can't find pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used as substitutes. Ensure that the bacon is trimmed of excess fat to prevent greasiness, and for a twist, add some finely chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs to the mixture for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pâté warm or at room temperature, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for contrast. For a delightful spread, consider serving it alongside Ham Apetillas for a delicious charcuterie board that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pâté to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it retains its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pate With Pistachios contains roughly 414 calories, with 12g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pâté ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pâté can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with the pâté?
This pâté pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a side of pickled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some tangy mustard. Crusty bread or crackers are perfect for spreading, and it can also be enjoyed with a glass of dry white wine.
Can I freeze the pâté?
Yes, you can freeze the pâté for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).