Homemade Croatian Turkey Pâté

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground turkey 500g (1.1 lb) ground turkey
• 200g (7 oz) turkey liver 200g (7 oz) turkey liver
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 100ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 100ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 3g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground turkey and turkey liver to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth.
7. 7.
   Gradually add the heavy cream and brandy (if using) to the food processor and continue blending until the desired consistency is achieved.
8. 8.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Transfer the pâté to a serving dish or individual ramekins.
10. 10.
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
11. 11.
    Serve chilled with crusty bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turkey liver — Make sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the liver before using it in the recipe. This will help achieve a smoother texture in the pâté.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the ground turkey and liver in the spices overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can reserve a small portion of the cooked turkey liver and add it to the blended mixture at the end.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the pâté to your liking.
• Serve the pâté with pickles, olives, or sliced vegetables for added freshness and crunch.
• Leftover pâté can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

To serve the Croatian Turkey Pâté, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Arrange slices of crusty bread or crackers on a platter and place the pâté in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, you can shape the pâté into a log or mold it into individual portions using ramekins. Smooth the surface with a spatula and drizzle a little olive oil on top for a glossy finish. Sprinkle some paprika or chopped herbs for a pop of color.