Chicken pate with mushrooms

Chicken Liver Pâté with Mushrooms - A Homemade Delicacy

Who doesn't love a creamy and savory homemade pâté? This chicken liver pâté with mushrooms recipe is not only a healthy and tasty alternative to store-bought products, but it's also an excellent way to enjoy fresh and natural ingredients. It's perfect for a snack, a light meal, or even to impress guests at a party. Plus, making this pâté is simple and quick!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 500 g fresh chicken liver
- 3 medium onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Stems from 500 g mushrooms (preferably champignon mushrooms)
- 1 glass of red wine (approximately 150 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- Olive oil (or another type of cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Tips and tricks for ingredients:

- Choose fresh chicken liver with a deep red color and no unpleasant smell. This is key for a tasty pâté.
- Mushrooms can be used fresh or canned, but fresh ones provide a more intense flavor.
- Red wine adds depth and complexity to the taste, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Washing and preparing the liver: Start by washing the chicken liver well under cold running water. Drain it in a sieve to remove excess water. This step is essential to avoid a watery pâté.

2. Sautéing the onion and garlic: Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic cloves. In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sprinkling a pinch of salt to help the onion soften. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Finely chop the mushroom stems and add them to the pan, mixing well. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices and become tender. The aroma will be absolutely fantastic!

4. Including the liver: Now it's time to add the drained liver. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then pour the red wine over the liver and mushrooms. Lightly cover the pan to allow the steam to help cook the liver. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces significantly.

5. Finishing the preparation: When the liquid is almost completely evaporated, add the butter and wait for it to melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove the pan from heat. This step will add unparalleled creaminess to the pâté.

6. Blending: Use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the mixture until you achieve a smooth paste. If you prefer a less smooth pâté, you can leave some larger pieces for texture.

7. Cooling and serving: Transfer the pâté to an airtight container and let it cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling will help the pâté firm up and enhance the flavors.

Serving suggestions:

- Serve the chicken liver pâté with toasted bread slices or crackers. You can also add a layer of butter for extra flavor.
- A side of pickles or a coleslaw salad will perfectly complement this snack.

Possible variations:

- Instead of mushrooms, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different taste.
- If you want a creamier pâté, you can add a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese during blending.

Nutritional values (per approximate serving):

- Calories: 220
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 4g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of liver?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for beef or pork liver. Cooking time may vary, so ensure the liver is well-cooked.

2. How can I store the pâté longer?
The chicken liver pâté with mushrooms will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in small portions, so you always have a delicious snack on hand.

3. What drinks pair well with the pâté?
A dry red wine or a pale beer can be excellent choices. Additionally, a fruit cocktail or a refreshing lemonade will make a pleasant combination.

This chicken liver pâté with mushrooms recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor! So, don’t hesitate, gather the ingredients and enjoy a delicious and healthy snack made with love in your own kitchen! Enjoy your meal!