Raw Brazil Nut & Almond Pate

I cannot help but share a few more thoughts on the ethics of veganism before I get to this raw lunch.

What a response to Gena’s post on the ethics of veganism! Be sure to check out the comments, which I found informative and challenging—a perfect compliment to Gena’s outstanding take on this important issue.

As for me? I don’t (knowingly) eat animal products.  I quit purchasing leather after going vegan.  I do still wear old leather shoes and belts. I have a huge stash of wool yarn that I have not touched since going vegan.  I do still wear wool hats and gloves that I have knit with my own hands.  I have two cats (spoiled rotten, I might add). After reading Gena’s post yesterday I am now the proud sponsor of this darling goat, Clover, at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

If you’ve read my vegetarian to vegan story then you know it all began with a goat.  I’m happy to come full circle with this dear goat.

I guess the “type” of vegan I am depends on the lens through which you see me. Many will want me to do better and others will think avoiding honey and wool is extreme.  I simply hope that what you see is a compassionate human being, exploring her vegan lifestyle, willing to be challenged and open to evolving on this surprising journey.

A hearty thanks to Jill, Emily and Gena for their contributions to the Vegan 101 series.  The purpose of the series is to provide tools and information for new vegans or vegetarians considering the transition.  How lucky for me that I’m learning something from every one of the guest posts, and from those of you who share your comments.  I hope you’re enjoying the series as much as I am. Stay tuned for new series posts in April!

Speaking of guest posts, I hope you’ll hop over to Girl on Raw to check out my guest post for Robyn who just gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy!  She asked me to share a couple raw recipes, as well as my thoughts on eating higher raw. Thanks so much for inviting me, Robyn!

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Now to that Brazil Nut & Almond Pate!

I recently purchased a bag of nutrient-rich brazil nuts. High in protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium—

Brazil nuts are particularly healthy due to their high selenium content, which makes their protein content “complete”. This means that, unlike the proteins in most plant products, Brazil nuts’ proteins contain all the necessary amino acids to foster optimal growth in humans (in the same way as proteins from animal products do).

Source

—the brazil nut seemed like the perfect food to incorporate into my higher raw diet! (Brazil nuts are high in nutrients and high in calories, so if you’re counting those, think about the portion size that’s right for you.)

JL’s Brazil Nut & Almond Pate (Raw)
Makes about 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup brazil nuts
  • 1/4 cup almond slivers
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 t coconut aminos

METHOD

Soak brazil nuts and almond slivers for an hour.  Rinse and drain. Add the nuts and all ingredients into the food processor and pulse to desired consistency.

I decided to make collard wraps for lunch. I selected two huge collard leaves, so beautiful, and spread about the brazil nut & almond pate on each leaf. I added red pepper slices.

I wrapped each collard leaf nice and tight.

This was a crunchy, flavorful, nutrient-rich lunch.  A new favorite (I know, I say that a lot).

So, from vegan ethics to brazil nuts—what’s on your mind?

22 thoughts on “Raw Brazil Nut & Almond Pate”

  1. Great recipe! I haven’t made a pate with Brazil nuts in a really long time, and this is making me think I should change that. Hmmmm.

    And I am SO EXCITED about Clover! I got your comment and wanted to jump up and down. Congrats on doing your part to sponsor an animal who has suffered 🙂

    1. I couldn’t wait to tell you after I “met” Clover online. Can’t wait to drive up to Woodstock and meet her later this spring (weekend visiting hours at the Farm Sanctuary begin this weekend!)

  2. Those collard wraps look great! I can’t believe how easy the pate is to make. I can’t wait to try it.

  3. I was up way past my bedtime last night reading Gena’s post and the flurry of comments that followed — so excellent, and totally worthy of a little less sleep! I am loving the Vegan 101 series.

    You have me seriously craving some collard wraps and nut pate now, you’re sounds AWESOME!

  4. Oh I have a bag of brazil nuts begging to be made into this pate. Oh and how cool is Clover!

    Thanks again JL for guesting on my blog whilst I get a handle on parenthood. I really enjoying hosting you and can’t wait to try your recipes 🙂

    xxx

  5. Oh I have a bag of brazil nuts begging to be made into this pate. Oh and how cool is Clover!

    Thanks again JL for guesting on my blog whilst I get a handle on parenthood. I really enjoying hosting you and can’t wait to try your recipes 🙂

    xxx

  6. Thanks for hosting the great Vegan 101 series. Lots to “chew on”, and always lots to learn. I appreciate your openness on your own explorations. Congrats on Clovis : )

  7. i use just big green romaine lettuce leaves for wraps – will have to try collard! they look sturdier.
    i really commend you on still wearing the leather products that you already own. part of being a responsible human being is reducing consumption, and i appreciate that you use what you already own instead of getting rid of the items (although i realize donations to a second hand shop would be responsible, too).
    i’m excited to see what your april series will be about!
    thanks for the time and energy you devoted to the vegan series. i appreciated gena’s post and all the comments it ellicited, for example.

    1. Cathy, thank you so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it!

      You know, I haven’t tried romaine leaves! LOL Not sure why not! Thanks for the suggestion.

  8. I swear collard wraps are taunting me today! I want one so bad, but no solids for me this week… Oh well, next week. They look delicious!
    Congratulations on Clover!!!

    1. It’s horrible, looking at something you can’t have. It’s why I try to avoid food blogs during my seasonal cleanses! LOL

      Feel better soon!

  9. My transition to veganism is still an ongoing journey, I’ve used honey in raw recipes in the past thinking the raw local stuff was more humane. But I’m avoiding it now after reading up on it more. For some people, like me, it takes time to transition and experiment with what works.

    Great Brazil nut info. They’re one of my favorite nuts and this pate looks wonderful! Thanks!

  10. Pingback: Two years vegan!

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