Liver in spicy tomato sauce

Chicken liver in spicy tomato sauce – a simple yet flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken livers are a nutritious delicacy, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. They have a smooth texture and a distinct taste that, combined with a spicy tomato sauce, transforms an ordinary dish into a true feast. This recipe, while quick and easy to execute, combines simple ingredients to create a savory meal that will impress any guest.

Essential ingredients:

- 500g chicken livers
- 1 can of tomatoes (or 3 ripe fresh tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of herbs de Provence (or a mix of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaf, and basil)
- ½ tablespoon of chili (for a spicy taste; for a milder version, use sweet paprika)
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them for 30 seconds in boiling water, then place them in cold water to make peeling easier. Cut them into cubes. Peel the garlic and crush it lightly with the blade of a knife.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, add the oil and butter. Heat them over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to brown. This will form the flavorful base of your sauce.

3. Adding the livers: Add the livers to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. It is important not to overcook them, or they will become dry.

4. Seasoning: Once the livers are ready, add salt, pepper, chili (or sweet paprika), herbs de Provence, and crushed garlic. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Adding the tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes (or the can) and 150 ml of water. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over medium heat, covered, for 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

6. Finalizing the sauce: After the sauce has simmered, turn off the heat and add the sour cream and chopped basil leaves. Mix well to achieve a creamy and flavorful sauce.

7. Serving: Chicken livers in spicy tomato sauce can be served with warm polenta, which will absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce, or with al dente pasta for a perfect contrast of textures. You can garnish the plate with a few fresh basil leaves for a pleasant appearance.

Practical tips:

- Mild version: If you prefer a less spicy taste, replace the chili with sweet paprika and adjust the amount of herbs de Provence to your liking.
- Adding vegetables: To make the dish even more nutritious, you can add diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Enriching the sauce: A tablespoon of tomato paste can intensify the flavor of the sauce, and a bit of honey can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Nutritional benefits:

Livers are an excellent source of protein, also containing vitamins A, B12, and folic acid, essential for blood health and the nervous system. Additionally, tomatoes provide a significant amount of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is the best way to clean the livers?
Before cooking, remove any membranes and blood vessels for a smoother texture.

2. Can I use livers from other animals?
This recipe works well with duck or pork livers, but cooking time may vary.

3. What side dishes pair best?
Polenta is traditional, but rice or mashed potatoes are also excellent choices.

Delicious variations:

To customize the recipe, you can try different types of herbs or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra complexity. Additionally, a bit of fresh lemon juice squeezed on top before serving can add a vibrant note.

This recipe for chicken livers in spicy tomato sauce is not only a quick and easy meal but also an opportunity to explore classic flavors in an innovative way. I invite you to enjoy every step of the cooking process and indulge in a delicious dish that will bring smiles to the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500g chicken liver, 1 can of tomatoes or 3 tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of Herbes de Provence (if you don't have it, mix the following ingredients: thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaf, basil all together to make one tablespoon), half a tablespoon of chili, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 3-4 basil leaves, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of butter (for those who prefer less spicy, sweet paprika can be used instead of chili).