Cleo's Liver

Cleo's Liver – A Delicacy in a Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Welcome to the delicious world of liver recipes! Today, we will prepare an easy-to-make recipe, packed with flavors and textures, that will delight both gourmets and those discovering the irresistible taste of liver for the first time. Cleo's liver is a classic dish with a rich history, often associated with moments of joy and family meals. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, alongside a side of mashed potatoes. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 400-500 g liver (preferably chicken or turkey)
- 150 ml milk
- 2 large onions, julienned
- 80 g flour
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste (be careful with the salt in the mayonnaise)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A pinch of sugar
- For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed (or a pinch of garlic powder)
- Half a teaspoon of mustard
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the liver: Start by washing the liver well under cold running water, then let it drain. Once well drained, cut it into thin strips. This step is essential to ensure even cooking and a fine texture.

2. Marinating in milk: Place the cut liver in a deep bowl and pour the milk over it, ensuring it is completely covered. This step not only helps to tenderize the liver but also reduces its specific bitterness. Let it marinate for about an hour.

3. Preparing the onions: Meanwhile, peel the onions and julienne them. Heat a little oil or butter in a pan and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent. This step will add sweetness to the liver and provide a pleasant contrast of textures.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, crushed garlic (or garlic powder), and mustard. Mix well and add salt to taste. This sauce will be the element that transforms your dish into a true delicacy.

5. Draining the liver: After an hour, remove the liver from the milk and let it drain. It is important to eliminate the excess milk to achieve even frying.

6. Preparing the flour mixture: In a bowl, combine flour with a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, a little sugar, and sweet paprika. This mixture will give the liver a crispy and flavorful crust.

7. Frying the liver: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a piece of butter. Dredge the liver in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. It is recommended to coat it in flour in 2-3 batches to avoid sticking. Once the butter has melted and is hot, add the liver to the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously to brown evenly. It is essential not to leave them longer than that, as they may become tough.

8. Assembling the dish: Once the liver is fried, transfer it to a dish and pour the mayonnaise sauce over it. Add the sautéed onion and cover the dish. Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

9. Serving: Serve Cleo's liver alongside a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to balance the rich taste of the dish. You can also add a few slices of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:

- Fresh liver: Choose fresh, high-quality liver. Chicken or turkey liver is the most popular for this recipe.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the liver with mushrooms, which have a similar texture and can be prepared in the same way.
- Alternative sides: Instead of mashed potatoes, you can serve Cleo's liver with creamy polenta or basmati rice, which absorb the sauce excellently.

Nutritional benefits:

Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially B12), and essential minerals like iron, which helps combat anemia. However, it is best to consume it in moderation, considering its high cholesterol content.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen liver? Yes, you can use frozen liver, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
- How can I enhance the sauce? You can add spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs, such as parsley, for a more complex flavor.

This Cleo's liver recipe is not only a wonderful choice for a family meal but also an opportunity to explore the flavors and textures of this versatile ingredient. I invite you to try this recipe and share your culinary experience with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!