Liver with mushrooms gratin with smoked cheese

Liver with mushrooms gratinated with smoked cheese

If you're looking for a savory dish, full of flavors and with a perfect texture, the recipe for liver with mushrooms gratinated with smoked cheese is the ideal choice. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your table. Chicken livers, combined with delicious mushrooms and smoked cheese, transform into a true culinary feast. Let's begin our gastronomic journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250 g chicken livers
- 4 large mushrooms (preferably champignon or pleurotus)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- salt, pepper (to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sour cream
- 50 g smoked cheese
- fresh parsley (optional, for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon of flour (heaped)
- 30 g breadcrumbs

History of the dish: Livers have been an essential component of cuisines around the world, being a rich source of nutrients and having a distinctive taste. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, bringing a modern touch through the gratination with smoked cheese, which gives it an unmistakable flavor.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken livers well. It is essential to remove any membranes or impurities to achieve a fine dish. Wash the mushrooms under a stream of cold water, then slice them thinly. Chop the onion finely, so it can sauté evenly and integrate perfectly into the recipe.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to soften. This will add a sweet note to the dish.

3. Adding the mushrooms: After the onion has sautéed, add the mushroom slices. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the water they release evaporates completely (about 5-7 minutes). It is important not to rush this process, as the mushrooms will acquire a delicious texture.

4. Including the livers: Once the mushrooms are ready, add the livers to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them cook on low heat for 10 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the livers to absorb the flavors of the onion and mushrooms.

5. Seasoning: At the end of the 10 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.

6. Preparing the gratin layer: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the sour cream, pepper paste, and mix well. Finally, incorporate a tablespoon of flour (without heaping) to give the mixture consistency.

7. Assembling the dish: Grease a heat-resistant dish with oil and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on the bottom to create a crunchy crust. Pour the liver and mushroom mixture into the dish, leveling it evenly. On top, place the slices of smoked cheese, which will melt and turn into a golden and delicious crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly browned.

9. Serving: Once the dish is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. You can add chopped fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and freshness. This dish pairs excellently with a green salad or a side of mashed potatoes.

Useful tips:
- Livers: Choose fresh, quality livers for better taste. If you buy them frozen, make sure to thaw and dry them well before cooking.
- Mushrooms: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to add variety and enhance the flavors.
- Vegetarian option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the livers with tofu or seitan, and the cooking will be done in the same way.
- Alternative servings: This dish can also be served in mini portions as appetizers, accompanied by a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh tomato salad.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of liver with gratinated mushrooms contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the servings. Livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamins A, B12, iron, and zinc, essential for a healthy diet. Mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a strong immune system.

This recipe for liver with mushrooms gratinated with smoked cheese is a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. Whether you choose to prepare it for yourself or for your loved ones, this dish will surely leave an unforgettable impression. Enjoy your meal!