Chestnut and bean pâté

Serves 4-6
Cost £3

Ingredients

1 small white onion
1 pinch salt
240g of pre cooked white beans(cannellini or butter)
4 garlic cloves
180 g pre-cooked chestnuts
2 sprigs of rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon of dried
2 sprigs thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried
2 tbsp white wine or cider vinegar
4 tbsp non-dairy butter or oil (parsley oil would be good if available)

Instructions

Dice the onion and add to a hot pan with a splash of oil and a pinch of salt.

Sauté the onions until they are just translucent.

Add the garlic (crushed) and the pre-cooked chestnuts (also roughly chopped). Cook these with the onion and mushrooms for a further 2-3 minutes.

Remove the leaves from the sprigs of rosemary and thyme and add to the pan for a few brief minutes until they are releasing their aroma.

Add the drained beans and stir through and cook for 1 minute.

Take the pan off the heat and let it cool for a few moments before adding to a blender (a stick blender could also be used) Do not add the liquid to the blender at this stage.

Turn the blender on to its lowest setting and let it run for a few minutes until a paste begins to form. Add the vinegar and a little bit of veg stock or bean juice if it is struggling to blend. Avoid adding too much or your pâté will be too wet.

Gradually increase the speed on your blender until the desired texture has been achieved.

While the pâté is still hot, spoon it into ramekins or cups.

Melt the non-dairy butter and then pour a thin layer over the pâté. Or alternatively leave out the butter and drizzle with parsley oil after cooled.

Cover the ramekins and leave them to cool completely before storing in the fridge until ready to serve.

Serve with crusty bread, crackers or raw carrots and celery sticks.