Rustic platter

Rustic platter with chicken livers: a flavorful rustic recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Introduction

The question we often ask ourselves when thinking about a tasty meal is: "What could be more comforting than a rustic platter?" This recipe combines the classic flavors of fresh ingredients, paying homage to culinary traditions that remind us of our grandparents' delicious meals. The rustic platter with chicken livers, mushrooms, onions, and cottage cheese is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, with the added advantage of being very easy to prepare.

Your ingredients for a delicious platter

- 500 g chicken livers
- 300 g country ham or Kaiser
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 1 jar of champignon mushrooms (about 400 g)
- 1 carrot
- 2 medium onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 100 g cornmeal
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A pinch of marjoram
- A pinch of thyme
- Sour cream for serving

Nutritional benefits

Chicken livers are a rich source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, providing the body with important nutrients. Cottage cheese also contributes calcium and protein, while the vegetables used add fiber and antioxidants. This platter is ideal for a balanced and healthy diet, with a moderate caloric content.

Preparing the ingredients

1. Cutting the vegetables: Start by cleaning and chopping the onion and carrot. Dice the onion finely and slice the carrot into thin rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. Mince the garlic.
2. Chicken livers: Rinse the chicken livers under cold running water and dry them with a paper towel. This will help achieve a crispier texture during cooking.

Cooking

1. Preparing the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over low heat. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, mushrooms, and diced ham or Kaiser. Sauté everything over low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Useful tips: If using canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the skillet. This will prevent excess water in the dish.

2. Seasoning: Add a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of sweet paprika, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove it from the skillet and cover it to keep warm.

3. Chicken livers: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it. Place the chicken livers in and season with salt, marjoram, and thyme. Fry them for about 7-10 minutes, turning them on all sides until golden and fully cooked.
- Tip: Do not cook the livers for too long to avoid them becoming dry. They should remain tender and juicy.

4. Preparing the polenta: In another pot, add 1 liter of water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil, then add the cornmeal in a steady stream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until creamy.

Assembling the platter

1. On a large platter, place a layer of warm polenta, then add the vegetable and chicken liver mixture on top.
2. Decorate with cottage cheese, adding it in dollops on the platter.
3. Finish with a spoonful of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions

This rustic platter is served warm, alongside a summer salad or pickles, to add a refreshing contrast. A bottle of white wine or a pale beer would perfectly complement the meal, balancing the rich flavors of the dish.

Possible variations

To add a personal touch, you can replace the chicken livers with duck or turkey livers, which have a distinct flavor. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the livers and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with duck or turkey livers for a different flavor.

2. How can I store the polenta?
Polenta can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the next day you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water to prevent it from drying out.

3. Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and livers a day ahead, and make the polenta fresh just before serving.

Conclusion

This rustic platter with chicken livers is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. It offers an authentic and comforting taste, perfect for any occasion. Try this simple and quick recipe, and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g chicken liver, 300 g country-style bacon or Kaiser, cow cheese, a jar of champignon mushrooms, 1 carrot, 2 medium onions, 4 cloves of garlic, dill, parsley, pepper, salt, paprika, thyme, sweet bell pepper, sour cream