Chicken livers in tomato sauce (with zucchini)

Chicken liver in tomato sauce with zucchini – a delicious and surprising recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

When it comes to cooking, sometimes we need to challenge our imagination, especially when faced with diverse dietary preferences. This recipe for chicken liver in tomato sauce with zucchini is a perfect way to combine meat with vegetables, creating a tasty and nutritious dish. Moreover, chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Let's explore this delight together step by step!

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken liver
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4-5 garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- Thyme (to taste)
- Rosemary (to taste)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Milk (enough to cover the livers)
- 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation of chicken livers

1. Preparing the livers: Start by cleaning the chicken livers from membranes. This step is important to achieve a fine dish without unpleasant textures. Once done, place the livers in a bowl and cover them with milk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This trick will not only help soften the livers but also reduce the slightly bitter taste.

2. Preparing the vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, melt the two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the julienned onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. It is important not to overheat the butter, as it can burn, and the onion will not develop that delicious flavor.

3. Adding the zucchini: Peel the zucchini and cut it into cubes. Add it to the onion and let it sauté together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini will release water, so be patient until the liquid evaporates.

4. Cooking the livers: Drain the livers from the milk and add them to the skillet. If necessary, you can add a little more butter to prevent sticking. Let them brown slightly, about 5 minutes. The aroma that will spread will be irresistible!

Preparation of the tomato sauce

5. Mixing the sauce: Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a cup of water, add the spices (hot paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and sugar), and blend well. The sugar will balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. Finalizing the dish: Pour the tomato sauce over the livers and zucchini in the skillet. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken, and the flavors will combine perfectly.

Serving

When the sauce is ready and the livers are perfectly cooked, taste to adjust the spices. You can add finely chopped garlic for an extra flavor boost if you like. This dish is best served with a portion of warm polenta or rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and tricks

- Variations: If you're not a fan of zucchini, you can replace it with carrots or bell peppers, which pair just as well with the livers.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Chicken livers are low in calories, offering about 150-200 calories per serving, and are an excellent source of iron and vitamins A and B. Zucchini adds extra fiber and vitamins, making this dish healthy and filling.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen livers? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw and dry them well before cooking.
- Can they be prepared in advance? You can prepare the livers a day ahead, and the next day, you can reheat them. The flavor will become even richer.

A personal detail

I recommend trying this recipe on a weekend evening when you can enjoy cooking at a leisurely pace. While preparing the livers, you can relax with pleasant music in the background. You'll notice how even the pickiest of your loved ones will be surprised by the delicious combination of meat and vegetables.

Now that you know all the secrets of this recipe for chicken liver in tomato sauce with zucchini, all that’s left is for you to try it! Enjoy your meal!