Savory Walnut and Pea Spread
Indulge in a delectable and nutritious alternative to traditional chicken liver pâté with this Savory Walnut and Pea Spread. Combining the rich flavors of sautéed sweet onions and crunchy walnuts with the delightful sweetness of Le Sueur peas, this spread offers a unique and satisfying experience for your taste buds. Enhanced with hard-boiled eggs for creaminess, this dish not only mimics the texture and taste of chopped chicken liver but also provides a heart-healthy option that you can enjoy guilt-free. Perfect as a spread on crackers, bagels, or a flavorful addition to sandwiches, this versatile recipe is sure to impress at any gathering or as a delightful snack at home. Best enjoyed the next day, this spread can also be made ahead and frozen for future enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet onions
2 large (chopped)
Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
Le Sueur peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Hard-boiled egg or egg whites
1 hard-boiled egg or 2 egg whites (peeled)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, about 10-15 minutes.
2
While the onions are cooking, add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.
3
Once the onions are nicely browned, remove half of them from the skillet and place them in the food processor with the peas and the peeled hard-boiled egg or egg whites.
4
Process the mixture until smooth and creamy.
5
Transfer the pea mixture back to a bowl and add the reserved sautéed onions and the chopped walnuts. Mix well until fully combined.
6
Season the spread with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to suit your preference.
7
Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Walnut and Pea Spread?
It is a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional chicken liver pâté, made with sautéed sweet onions, walnuts, and Le Sueur peas.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is meat-free and suitable for vegetarians.
Can I make this spread vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the hard-boiled egg or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
What does Savory Walnut and Pea Spread taste like?
It offers a unique savory flavor profile that mimics the texture and taste of chopped chicken liver pâté with a hint of sweetness from the peas.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 120 calories per serving of this spread.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are sweet onions, oil, walnuts, Le Sueur peas, and hard-boiled eggs or egg whites.
Can I freeze Savory Walnut and Pea Spread?
Yes, this spread can be made ahead of time and frozen for future enjoyment.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown.
What kind of peas are best for this recipe?
Le Sueur peas are recommended for their specific sweetness and quality.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is needed to chop the walnuts and create a smooth, creamy texture for the pea mixture.
How long should the spread chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I eat the spread immediately after making it?
While you can eat it immediately, it is best enjoyed after chilling for at least an hour or even the next day.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this spread are naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with Savory Walnut and Pea Spread?
It is delicious on crackers, bagels, or used as a flavorful addition to sandwiches.
Can I use raw onions instead of sautéed?
It is not recommended, as sautéing the onions provides the deep savory flavor essential to the recipe.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
You could try pecans or cashews, though walnuts provide the most traditional texture for this specific mock-pâté.
Is this spread heart-healthy?
Yes, it is considered a heart-healthy option compared to traditional meat-based pâtés.
How long does the spread stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if they are cooked until tender and then drained.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this spread?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the walnuts and oil.
Is this a good party food?
Absolutely, it is an impressive and unique appetizer for gatherings.
Can I use only egg whites?
Yes, the recipe specifies you can use 2 egg whites instead of one whole hard-boiled egg.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 large sweet onions.
Should I drain the peas before processing?
Yes, ensure the 15-ounce can of peas is drained before adding them to the food processor.
What if I can't find Le Sueur brand peas?
You can substitute with any high-quality canned sweet peas.
Is this recipe low-carb?
With 10g of carbohydrates per serving, it can fit into many moderately low-carb diets.
Can I add other spices to the spread?
Yes, feel free to adjust salt and pepper or add herbs like parsley or dill to suit your taste.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild sweetness of the peas and the creamy texture make it generally appealing to children.
Why is the spread better the next day?
The extra time in the refrigerator allows the savory onion and walnut flavors to fully permeate the pea mixture.