Superbowl Recipe - Lentil Pecan Pate from Cafe Flora's Chef Janine Doran

Pregame with Lentil Pecan Pate from Cafe Flora's Chef Janine Doran

1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried sage
2 Tbsp. mirin (rice wine)
1 tsp. umeboshi (sour plum) paste
1 tbsp. light miso (Japanese bean paste)
1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1) Rinse the lentils. Put them in a saucepan with the water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium heat, lower the heat and simmer covered. Cook until the lentils are very soft and most of the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Remove the bay leaf, and set aside to cool.

2) While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until it has reduced in volume and begun to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Turn down the heat to low and cook the onion for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the onion starts to stick, add 1 to 2 Tbsp. water (or cooking sherry, if you have it), and stir to remove any bits of onion from the bottom of the pan. When done, the onion should be various shades of brown, soft and sweet.

3) Add the garlic, thyme and sage to the onion and cook for one minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

4) Put the lentils and onion mixture in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients, and process until the mixture is a smooth paste. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill before serving.

5) Serve with a basket of sliced rustic bread, and crostini or crackers, 2-3 slices per person.