Chicken liver
Chicken Livers with Onions and Garlic
Welcome to our kitchen, where we will explore together a delicious recipe, full of flavors and tradition: chicken livers with onions and garlic. This dish is perfect for a quick yet savory dinner and can quickly become a family favorite. Whether you choose to serve them alongside a warm polenta or creamy mashed potatoes, the livers will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your meals.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4
The history of chicken livers is rich, being a popular dish in many cultures. Over time, they have been considered a delicacy, used in both rustic and sophisticated dishes. Livers are a rich source of protein, B vitamins, and iron, making them an excellent nutritional choice.
Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken livers
- 2 large red onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 glass of water (approximately 250 ml)
- 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
- Side dish: mashed potatoes or polenta
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken livers well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any membranes or growths. Then, let them drain in a colander. While the livers are draining, peel the onion and garlic. Slice the onion thinly and chop the garlic finely.
2. Searing the livers: In a large skillet, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the livers and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked evenly. It is important not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sauté them in two batches.
3. Adding the onions and garlic: When the livers are nearly done, add the sliced onion and chopped garlic. Continue to sauté everything together for 10-15 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. If you notice it sticking to the pan, you can add a little white wine or water to deglaze the pan.
4. Thickening the sauce: Once the onion and garlic are cooked, sprinkle the flour over the livers and mix well to incorporate. This step will help create a thick and delicious sauce. Then, add the glass of water, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir again to combine the ingredients and let everything simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
5. Finishing the dish: Finally, add the fresh parsley, finely chopped, for an extra touch of freshness and color. Gently stir to distribute the parsley throughout the dish.
6. Serving: The chicken livers are served warm, with your preferred side dish. A personal recommendation would be to choose polenta, which will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the livers. If you opt for mashed potatoes, make sure they are creamy and well-seasoned.
Practical tips:
- Choosing the livers: Opt for fresh livers, which should have a uniform color and a delicate texture. Frozen livers can be a good alternative, but it is important to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Reducing the smell: If you are sensitive to the smell of liver, you can soak the livers in milk for 30 minutes before cooking. This trick will help neutralize the strong flavors.
- Recipe variations: You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots or bell peppers, to enrich the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with spices, adding cumin or coriander for an exotic note.
Recommended pairings:
Chicken livers pair very well with a dry white wine, which will complement the intense flavors of the dish. A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette can add a crunchy and tangy contrast, perfect for balancing the richness of the livers.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use beef livers instead of chicken livers? Yes, but the cooking time will change, as beef livers require a longer preparation time.
- How can I store leftover livers? If you have leftover livers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or in the oven.
Nutrition:
Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, containing about 20 g of protein per 100 g of product. They are also rich in B vitamins, including B12, and minerals such as iron, essential for blood health.
Enjoy preparing these chicken livers with onions and garlic, letting yourself be carried away by the flavors and memories they bring. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers an unmistakable taste that will transform any meal into a celebration. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500 g chicken liver; 2 red onions; 4 cloves of garlic; 2-3 tablespoons of oil; a tablespoon of flour; a glass of water; 2 teaspoons of paprika; salt and pepper; parsley leaves. Side dish of mashed potatoes or polenta.