Chicken liver in tomato sauce: a traditional recipe for a comforting meal
Chicken livers are a versatile and flavorful ingredient, often underestimated in modern cuisine. This recipe for chicken livers in tomato sauce is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of flavors that will transport you back in time, evoking memories of family meals around a warm table. Additionally, the dish is rich in protein and vitamins, making it an excellent nutritious choice.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 600 g fresh chicken livers
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 hot pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the livers: Start by cleaning the chicken livers. Rinse them under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, place them in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 2-3 hours. This step is essential to remove the blood from the livers, which will give them a finer texture and a more pleasant taste.
2. Soaking in milk: After draining the livers, rinse them again under cold water. Then, place them in a dish and pour enough milk over them to cover. Let them chill for 30 minutes. The milk helps to tenderize the livers and reduce the strong flavor.
3. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to brown. This step adds a sweet and delicious flavor to your dish.
4. Browning the livers: Drain the livers from the milk and add them to the skillet. Brown them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely colored.
5. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste with one cup of water, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Add the finely chopped hot pepper. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous sauce.
6. Finalizing the dish: Pour the sauce over the browned livers, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to coat the livers with the sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the sauce reduces and the livers are fully cooked.
7. Serving: Chicken livers in tomato sauce are delicious served with warm polenta, which will absorb the rich sauce. You can also add a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
Helpful tips:
- Chicken livers should be fresh for optimal taste. Always check the expiration date.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add crushed garlic while sautéing the onion.
- You can prepare a spicier version by adding more hot pepper or spices like chili.
- For a more sophisticated touch, add a splash of white wine to the sauce after browning the livers, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and iron, making them a healthy choice for a nutritious meal. Consuming livers can help strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen livers? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw and rinse them well before use.
2. What other side dishes go well with chicken livers? Besides polenta, you can also serve mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.
3. How can I store leftovers? Remaining livers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This recipe for chicken livers in tomato sauce is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. The rich aroma of the tomato sauce combined with the juicy livers will make this meal memorable. I wish you success in the kitchen and bon appétit!
Chicken livers are a versatile and flavorful ingredient, often underestimated in modern cuisine. This recipe for chicken livers in tomato sauce is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of flavors that will transport you back in time, evoking memories of family meals around a warm table. Additionally, the dish is rich in protein and vitamins, making it an excellent nutritious choice.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 600 g fresh chicken livers
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 hot pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the livers: Start by cleaning the chicken livers. Rinse them under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, place them in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 2-3 hours. This step is essential to remove the blood from the livers, which will give them a finer texture and a more pleasant taste.
2. Soaking in milk: After draining the livers, rinse them again under cold water. Then, place them in a dish and pour enough milk over them to cover. Let them chill for 30 minutes. The milk helps to tenderize the livers and reduce the strong flavor.
3. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to brown. This step adds a sweet and delicious flavor to your dish.
4. Browning the livers: Drain the livers from the milk and add them to the skillet. Brown them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely colored.
5. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste with one cup of water, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Add the finely chopped hot pepper. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous sauce.
6. Finalizing the dish: Pour the sauce over the browned livers, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to coat the livers with the sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the sauce reduces and the livers are fully cooked.
7. Serving: Chicken livers in tomato sauce are delicious served with warm polenta, which will absorb the rich sauce. You can also add a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
Helpful tips:
- Chicken livers should be fresh for optimal taste. Always check the expiration date.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add crushed garlic while sautéing the onion.
- You can prepare a spicier version by adding more hot pepper or spices like chili.
- For a more sophisticated touch, add a splash of white wine to the sauce after browning the livers, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and iron, making them a healthy choice for a nutritious meal. Consuming livers can help strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen livers? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw and rinse them well before use.
2. What other side dishes go well with chicken livers? Besides polenta, you can also serve mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.
3. How can I store leftovers? Remaining livers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This recipe for chicken livers in tomato sauce is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. The rich aroma of the tomato sauce combined with the juicy livers will make this meal memorable. I wish you success in the kitchen and bon appétit!