Chicken liver with polenta - a classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition, that combines textures and aromas to create a comforting dish. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a rich taste, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein and nutrients, while polenta adds a touch of consistency and flavor.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh chicken liver
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cube of butter (about 80 g)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Preparation
1. Preparing the livers
The first step to achieving a delicious dish is cleaning the chicken livers. Wash them well under cold water, removing any membranes or impurities. This step is crucial to ensure the livers have a pleasant texture and a clean taste. Once cleaned, place them in a bowl and cover them with milk. The milk will help tenderize the livers and eliminate any strong flavor, giving them a delicate taste. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
2. Preparing the polenta
While the livers are marinating in milk, you can prepare the polenta. Boil 1 liter of water in a pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and gradually incorporate 200 g of cornmeal. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta becomes creamy and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Once done, you can cover it with a lid and set it aside.
3. Cooking the livers
After marinating, drain the livers from the milk. In a large skillet, add the butter cube and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the livers. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them cook for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are well cooked and browned on the edges.
4. Adding the onion and garlic
While the livers are cooking, peel the onion and slice it thinly. When the livers are nearly done, add the onion to the skillet and let it sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, mixing well to combine the flavors.
5. Serving
Once everything is well cooked, remove the livers with onion and garlic from the skillet and place them on a platter or on a bed of warm polenta. The polenta can be cut into slices or served with a spoon, depending on your preferences. This dish is served warm and can be garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Chef's tip
For a unique touch, you can add a few drops of lemon juice over the livers before serving. This will bring a pleasant contrast of acidity and enhance the flavors.
Nutritional benefits
Chicken livers are an excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and high-quality protein. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, perfect for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use liver from other types of birds?
Yes, you can use duck or turkey liver, but the cooking time may vary.
2. How can I store leftover livers?
The livers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a skillet, adding a little butter to keep them juicy.
3. What can I add to change the flavor of the dish?
You can add spices like paprika or herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different note.
Possible variations
- Livers with wine sauce: Add a small glass of red wine to the skillet after adding the onion, letting it simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Livers with vegetables: Add diced carrots or bell peppers to the skillet to complement the dish.
This recipe for chicken livers with polenta is a perfect example of comforting food, a combination of tradition and flavor that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to try it and give it your personal twist! Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh chicken liver
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cube of butter (about 80 g)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Preparation
1. Preparing the livers
The first step to achieving a delicious dish is cleaning the chicken livers. Wash them well under cold water, removing any membranes or impurities. This step is crucial to ensure the livers have a pleasant texture and a clean taste. Once cleaned, place them in a bowl and cover them with milk. The milk will help tenderize the livers and eliminate any strong flavor, giving them a delicate taste. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
2. Preparing the polenta
While the livers are marinating in milk, you can prepare the polenta. Boil 1 liter of water in a pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and gradually incorporate 200 g of cornmeal. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta becomes creamy and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Once done, you can cover it with a lid and set it aside.
3. Cooking the livers
After marinating, drain the livers from the milk. In a large skillet, add the butter cube and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the livers. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them cook for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are well cooked and browned on the edges.
4. Adding the onion and garlic
While the livers are cooking, peel the onion and slice it thinly. When the livers are nearly done, add the onion to the skillet and let it sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, mixing well to combine the flavors.
5. Serving
Once everything is well cooked, remove the livers with onion and garlic from the skillet and place them on a platter or on a bed of warm polenta. The polenta can be cut into slices or served with a spoon, depending on your preferences. This dish is served warm and can be garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Chef's tip
For a unique touch, you can add a few drops of lemon juice over the livers before serving. This will bring a pleasant contrast of acidity and enhance the flavors.
Nutritional benefits
Chicken livers are an excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and high-quality protein. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, perfect for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use liver from other types of birds?
Yes, you can use duck or turkey liver, but the cooking time may vary.
2. How can I store leftover livers?
The livers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a skillet, adding a little butter to keep them juicy.
3. What can I add to change the flavor of the dish?
You can add spices like paprika or herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different note.
Possible variations
- Livers with wine sauce: Add a small glass of red wine to the skillet after adding the onion, letting it simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Livers with vegetables: Add diced carrots or bell peppers to the skillet to complement the dish.
This recipe for chicken livers with polenta is a perfect example of comforting food, a combination of tradition and flavor that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to try it and give it your personal twist! Enjoy your meal!