Liver pate is packed with nutrients and there are many delicious and simple ways you can add it into your diet!
I grew up eating liverwurst quite regularly and I LOVED it! My dad’s side of the family is from Germany and that’s where it originated.
Liverwurst and liver pate (traditional french cuisine) are quite similar. Pate is more of a paste, being thicker and chunkier, whereas liverwurst is smoother and more spreadable. For a lot of things, you can use them interchangeably.
People say that liver is an acquired taste, and I really can’t confirm or deny that, since I’ve eaten it my whole life! It’s definitely worth it if you can learn to love it because it is JAM PACKED with amazing nutrients and there are a lot of great ways to include it in your diet.
Start with pate. There are lots of different ways to eat it!
What is Pate Made of?
The main ingredient in pate is always liver, whether from chicken, pork, lamb, beef or fish! It also contains butter, and often caramelized onions, garlic, herbs and spices, and a small amount of wine or brandy.
Is Pate Healthy?
When I think of “superfoods” or nutrient-dense foods, my mind immediately goes to dark green vegetables, berries and eggs, but did you know that liver is a superfood too?! It’s completely packed with nutrients and can provide some amazing health benefits.
Liver contains WAY more than 100% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, copper and riboflavin and generous amounts of folate, choline and iron (heme iron- the form of iron that’s easily absorbed into the body). These vitamins help with brain, heart, kidney and immune function, cell growth and development, energy production and much more.
Liver is also high in protein that contains all the essential amino acids.
Pate also includes a good amount of butter, so if whether you’re making pate or buying it, go for grassfed butter if possible! It’s much more nutritious than regular butter.
If alcohol is a concern for you, as it is for me, many pates don’t include it and it’s an optional ingredient when you make pate at home.
Can You Make Pate at Home?
Pate can be made at home since most grocery stores carry at least chicken livers, if not other organ meat. The basic method is as follows: liver is cooked until barely done, along with some onions and seasonings (usually) and ground in a food processor, slowly adding and incorporating the butter.
At the moment I buy the cleanest prepackaged chicken liver pate I can find because I’ve tried a few different recipes and wasn’t very pleased with the results. Once I have nailed down a great one, I’ll be sure to share it with you here!
How to Eat Pate
Sandwiches
Spread a thick layer of pate and make it the main protein of your sandwich, or use a small layer to add some flavor depth and nutritional value to a different protein like sliced beef roast or chicken breast. Add in all of your regular toppings: lettuce, tomato, spinach, cucumber, cheese, etc!
Tartines (Open-Faced Sandwiches)
Create full-sized tartines for a meal or smaller ones for a tasty appetizer using sliced fresh baguette, sliced cucumber or crackers. Top with almost anything! Some ideas are mixed greens, tomatoes, radishes, shredded carrot, shredded cheese, soft cheese (like brie), chopped nuts, and even fruit!
Crackers
Pate makes a wonderful dip for crackers. Do this for a filling midday snack or serve as an appetizer at a party!
Eggs
A great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite omelet recipe!
Toast (with Butter!)
Think thick, crusty slices of bread toasted and slathered with melted grassfed butter, then a layer of liver pate. Divine!
Cheese Platters
Cube it up and lay it out alongside delicious cheese, crackers, olives, fruit, nuts and whatever else you’d like at your next dinner party!
Stuffed Tomatoes or Peppers
Simply scoop out the insides of cherry tomatoes or small peppers and fill with pate. Sprinkle with sea salt and chopped fresh sage. A simple and beautifully colored appetizer!
Topping
Pate can be a great topping for baked potatoes, pizza or salad!
Veggie Dip
The perfect dip for carrots, cucumbers, celery sticks, etc. Finally something other than hummus and ranch!
How Long Does Pate Last?
Keep pate sealed in the fridge and it will last about 7-10 days.
Can You Freeze Pate?
Pate will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months but must be properly sealed for best results.
Let me know in the comments below if you tried eating pate in any of these ways. What did you think?
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