Chicken liver parfait with raisins and sweet wine

Chicken liver parfait with raisins and sweet wine

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will guide you in preparing a refined and savory appetizer: chicken liver parfait with raisins and sweet wine. This recipe, full of flavors and textures, is perfect for special occasions or to impress guests at an elegant dinner. Over time, parfaits have been appreciated for their delicacy and the versatility of the ingredients used. Here’s how you can create this special dish, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 100 g raisins
- 30 ml sweet wine
- 50 g butter
- 400 g chicken livers, cleaned and washed
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon (fresh or dried)
- 70 ml cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for greasing the dishes

Preparation:

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by placing the raisins in a small bowl. Add the sweet wine and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Then, place it in the microwave on high power for 3 minutes. This step will rehydrate the raisins and infuse them with the flavors of the wine, giving them an intensified sweetness.

2. Preparing the livers: While the raisins are hydrating, take a pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken livers and fry them for about 4 minutes on each side until they become golden and cooked. Add the chopped garlic and tarragon, along with a generous pinch of black pepper. This combination will give your dish an intense and aromatic flavor.

3. Blending the mixture: Once the livers are ready, place the entire mixture from the pan, including the liquid formed, into a blender. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy paste. Make sure the blender is well closed to avoid any splatters.

4. Adding the cream: After obtaining a homogeneous paste, add the cream and the 2 tablespoons of wine from the bowl with raisins. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then blend again to integrate all the ingredients. It is important to achieve a creamy texture but also a balanced flavor.

5. Assembling the parfaits: Prepare 4 dishes of 100 ml each, lightly greased with oil to facilitate the removal of the parfaits. At the bottom of each dish, add a few hydrated raisins. Make sure to distribute them evenly to enjoy their sweetness in every bite. On top, divide the liver mixture, filling the dishes almost to the edge.

6. Cooling: Cover the dishes with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to stabilize.

7. Serving: When you are ready to serve, carefully remove the parfaits from the dishes by inverting them onto plates. They can be decorated with a few fresh salad leaves for a pleasant contrast of color and texture. Serve them alongside crispy toasted bread, which will add a crunch element and balance the creaminess of the dish.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of sweet wine, such as muscat or tokaji, to achieve different flavors.
- If you do not like raisins, you can replace them with dates or dried cranberries, which will add a note of acidity.
- This parfait can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh within the first 24 hours.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamins A, B12, and iron, essential for maintaining health. Combining them with raisins adds fiber and antioxidants, while the cream contributes healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use livers from other types? Yes, you can also use turkey or duck livers, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? No, but vegan alternatives can be explored using mushrooms or tofu for a similar texture.

Recommended pairings:
This parfait pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a gin-based cocktail, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish. You can also pair it with fresh salads or soft cheeses for a complete culinary experience.

In conclusion, chicken liver parfait with raisins and sweet wine is an elegant and savory dish that will bring a touch of refinement to your table. Don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen and play with flavors to create unique dishes! Bon appétit!