Toast the Walnuts: Heat a large, dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Watch them closely and frequently shake the pan to prevent burning. Once you notice the edges of the walnuts turning brown, immediately take the skillet off the heat and remove the walnuts. It should only take a couple of minutes.
Cook the Shallots, Garlic, and Mushrooms: Pour olive oil into the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add a pinch of salt while the onions and garlic saute. Then add the mushrooms and cook until they are soft and their moisture has evaporated. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Add the fresh parsley and walnuts and mix well into the mixture.
Blend the Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine the walnut and mushroom mixture. Pulse until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother pâté, blend longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse a few times.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your pâté and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it's too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to get the right consistency.
Chill Before Serving: Transfer the pâté to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste.
Serve: Top it with sprigs of fresh herbs and a little bit of olive oil for a nice presentation. Enjoy your walnut and mushroom pâté on crackers, toasted bread, or as a dip for vegetables. It also makes a great sandwich spread!