Yield: 8-12 servings
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This wild mushroom pate is a vegan's dream appetizer. The mixture of mushrooms and ricotta cheese (or cheese alternative) makes it creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs chopped, mixed wild mushrooms - tough stems removed
• ½ cup toasted/chopped walnuts
• 1 large shallot chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves chopped
• 2 tsp thyme and chives chopped
• 6 oz dried mushrooms soaked in hot water - reserve ¼ cup liquid
• 2-3 tsp zest of one lemon
• 10-12 oz fresh Ricotta cheese (or plant-based cheese)
• 1 tbsp Marsala
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp Butter
• Chives or mixed herbs for garnish

Preparation

1. Heat saute pan over medium heat and add olive oil and butter, then add shallots and garlic with pinch of salt and saute for 5-7 minutes until soft.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and add mushrooms and thyme stirring constantly to insure your mixture is incorporated for another 5-7 minutes until mushrooms have released juices. Add 1 tablespoon Marsala and ¼ cup mushroom liquid and cook until nearly gone. Put mushrooms on sheet pan and spread to cool for 15 minutes.
3. In cuisinart put cooled mushrooms, lemon zest, chives, walnuts and fresh ricotta. Pulse until desired smoothness. Slightly chunky is nice for texture.
4. Put in desired serving bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, best overnight.

Serve

Garnish with chives and serve with crackers or crostini.

Take a look at our recommended pairing below.