Turkey pate

Here’s a flavorful turkey pâté recipe, which is a lighter alternative to traditional pork or chicken pâtés. This pâté is smooth, creamy, and perfect as a spread for crackers or bread.

Ingredients:

• 500g turkey liver, cleaned
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 100g unsalted butter (divided: 75g for cooking, 25g for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 50ml brandy or cognac
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 100ml heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice or nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the livers:

   • Clean the turkey livers, removing any connective tissue or veins, and pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Cook the liver mixture:

   • Heat the olive oil and 75g of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the turkey livers and cook until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside, about 4–5 minutes per side.
   • Add the thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and ground allspice or nutmeg.
   • Pour in the brandy and cook for another minute, letting the alcohol evaporate.

3. Blend the pâté:

   • Transfer the cooked liver mixture into a blender or food processor.
   • Add the cream (and Dijon mustard, if using) and blend until smooth and creamy.
   • If you'd like an even silkier texture, you can pass the blended pâté through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining bits.

4. Chill and top:

   • Pour the pâté into ramekins or a serving dish.
   • Melt the remaining 25g of butter and pour it over the top of the pâté to seal and preserve it.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the pâté to firm up.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the turkey pâté with crusty bread, crackers, or toast points. It's lovely paired with pickles, chutneys, or fruit preserves.

This turkey pâté is a lighter, leaner option that still provides a rich and creamy texture. It’s a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion!