Vegan Patè with Cognac and Port Wine

We just celebrated a holiday and had friends over for dinner, and we made all kinds of complex main courses, but this Vegan Patè with Cognac and Port Wine was the star of the show. In fact, my husband said if we serve this before the dinner, no one’s going to want to eat anything else! This is one of the most flavorful and healthiest appetizers possible, and we make it every year. If you blend it even further, it can have a smoother texture, which is very similar to a liver pate. It’s amazing how the lentils and the mushrooms can blend down, and with the addition of the beets and the cognac and the port wine. This Vegan Patè with Cognac and Port Wine is a flavorful, healthy, and cruelty-free appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering. Its rich and smooth texture, created with lentils, mushrooms, and beets, mimics traditional liver pâté—perfect for any occasion!

What You’ll Need

Frying pan
Large blender or food processor
Ramekins or small jars

Ingredients

To Fry

2 tsp thyme
2 tsp sage
2 tsp rosemary
4–6 tbsp Cognac
4–6 tbsp Port Wine
1 shallot
2 garlic cloves
18 brown button mushrooms, roughly chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste

To Blend

2 tbsp cooked beet purée (store-bought is fine)
150g (1 cup) toasted walnuts
400g (1¾ cups or 14 oz.) cooked lentils (store-bought works well)
3 tbsp dairy-free butter

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan Ingredients

Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Roughly chop the shallot and add it to the pan with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent.
Roughly chop the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan, stirring occasionally until well cooked.
Stir in the rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Pour in the Cognac and Port Wine, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

2. Blend the Mixture

Transfer the cooked ingredients to a blender or food processor.
Add the lentils, walnuts, and beet purée.
Pulse the mixture until combined, then add the dairy-free butter.
Blend until smooth or your desired texture. Adjust seasoning and add more Cognac or Port Wine to taste.

3. Serve and Store

Transfer the pâté to ramekins or jars. Optionally, spread a thin layer of dairy-free butter on top for a decorative finish.
Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled with crusty bread or crackers.

Enjoy this rich and elegant appetizer that’s bound to become a new favorite in your home!