Chicken liver pâté

Chicken Liver Pâté – A Homemade Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Introduction
Whether it’s an elegant appetizer for a festive meal or a quick snack for a picnic, chicken liver pâté is an excellent choice. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of liver with the sweetness of onions and garlic, resulting in a smooth and creamy spread perfect for slathering on toasted bread. Additionally, it is a nutrient-rich dish, being an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Ingredients needed
- 500 g chicken liver
- 2 medium onions
- 100 g butter (ideally, use quality butter)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml white wine (a dry wine is preferable to add a note of acidity)
- Fresh or dried basil (for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for creaminess)

Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken liver well under a stream of cold water, ensuring no impurities remain. It’s important to choose fresh, quality liver to achieve a delicious pâté. Cut the liver into smaller pieces for even cooking. The onion and garlic should be peeled and finely chopped, as these ingredients will add a special flavor to the dish.

Preparation steps

1. Boiling the liver
In a medium pot, place the chicken liver in boiling water. Let it boil for about 5-7 minutes to partially cook it. This step helps remove impurities and achieve a finer texture. After boiling, drain the liver and let it cool slightly.

2. Sautéing the onion and garlic
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and let it cook for a few more minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Adding the liver
Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the boiled liver to the pan. Mix well and let it sauté together for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to combine. Finally, add the wine and spices (salt, pepper, and basil). Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the mixture becomes more concentrated, about 10 minutes.

4. Blending the pâté
After the mixture has reduced, take the pan off the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Add the sour cream and continue blending until the pâté is creamy and homogeneous.

5. Serving
Transfer the pâté to a bowl or an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving suggestions
Chicken liver pâté is delicious served on toasted bread slices, savory crackers, or even fresh vegetables like carrots or celery. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top or add a few fresh basil leaves for an attractive appearance.

Useful tips and variations
- If you desire a more intense flavor, try adding some additional spices such as thyme or rosemary during preparation.
- You can substitute sour cream with cottage cheese for a lower-calorie yet equally tasty version.
- If you’re a fan of spices, a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder can add some heat to the pâté.

Nutritional information
This chicken liver pâté recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken liver is a rich source of protein, iron, vitamin A, and B12. It can be an excellent option for those looking to enrich their diet with essential nutrients. A serving of pâté (about 50 g) contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use liver from other birds?
Yes, you can replace chicken liver with duck or turkey liver to achieve different flavors.

2. How do I store the pâté?
Chicken liver pâté stores well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in airtight containers.

3. Can I freeze the pâté?
Yes, chicken liver pâté can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. What can I pair with the pâté?
Chicken liver pâté pairs wonderfully with a bottle of dry white wine or a fresh cocktail. It also goes very well alongside pickles or green salads.

Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through this chicken liver pâté recipe, you’re ready to impress anyone with your culinary skills. The dish is not only tasty but also full of stories and traditions passed down through generations. Experiment with flavors and discover the variations that delight you the most! Enjoy!