Spinach Pate
A savory spinach pâté blending fresh greens with cheeses and herbs, perfect as an appetizer or light meal for spinach lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, minced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. wine or cider vinegar
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, grated ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Gruyere cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c. whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
- sea salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and stem the spinach.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Butter a loaf pan.
- Puree the spinach or chop it finely.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add thyme and oregano, cook for another minute.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with vinegar, eggs, milk, grated nutmeg, parsley, Parmesan, Gruyere, bread crumbs, sea salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until set and golden on top.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the spinach more finely. If you're out of Gruyere cheese, a mild Swiss or even mozzarella can work as a substitute. Experiment with herbs; fresh basil can add a lovely twist. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of cream to the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Pate as a delightful appetizer with toasted bread or pita wedges. It pairs beautifully with a side of Gemischter Salat for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. This pate is also great as a filling for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pate contains roughly 708 calories, with 23g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (279% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% 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 use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before incorporating it into the recipe, as this can affect the texture of the pate.
How long can I keep the spinach pate in the fridge?
The spinach pate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it's in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
What can I serve with the spinach pate?
The spinach pate is versatile and can be served with various accompaniments. It goes well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables like cucumber sticks. You can also pair it with a light salad for a complete meal.
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).