Liver and mushroom terrine

Liver and mushroom terrine – a refined delicacy, perfect for moments when you want to impress your guests or treat your family to a savory and easy-to-make dish. This recipe is an excellent alternative for those who do not prefer lamb but still want to enjoy a delicious pâté.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 1 container of chicken liver (approximately 500 g)
- 1 kg of mushrooms (champignon or wild mushrooms)
- 4 large onions
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 6 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese
- Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Hot paprika (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the onions and mushrooms. Chop the onion finely and slice the mushrooms thinly. If using frozen mushrooms, make sure to thaw and blanch them beforehand to reduce moisture in the terrine.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent. It is important not to brown it too much to avoid changing its flavor.

3. Adding the liver: Slice the chicken liver thinly and add it to the skillet over the onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it changes color. Make sure the liver is not fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

4. The mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and mix well. Allow them to cook together with the onion and liver for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

5. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs with a whisk. Add salt, pepper, hot paprika (if you want a spicy flavor), cottage cheese, and finely chopped parsley and dill. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add the onion, liver, and mushroom mixture to the bowl with the eggs and gently mix to combine all the ingredients. Ensure that the mixture is not too hot; otherwise, the eggs will coagulate.

7. Baking the terrine: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease two baking pans with butter or oil. Pour the terrine mixture into the pans, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the terrine has a golden crust on top.

8. Cooling and serving: Once ready, remove the terrine from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious served warm but just as good cold, alongside a fresh salad or pickles.

Practical tips:

- Selecting ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken liver for an intense flavor and fine texture terrine. The mushrooms can vary; experiment with shiitake or oyster mushrooms to add a special touch.
- Customizing the recipe: If you want an even more intense flavor, add spices like nutmeg or thyme. You can also replace the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Cooking in advance: The terrine can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it ideal for festive meals or parties.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of liver and mushroom terrine contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used. It is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron, which is important for blood health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of liver? Yes, you can experiment with duck liver or pork liver for different flavors.
2. Can I make the terrine without eggs? An eggless version is possible, but the texture will be different. You can use a mixture of mashed potatoes or tofu to bind the ingredients.
3. What can I serve with the terrine? It pairs perfectly with arugula salad, mustard sauces, or spicy ketchup, as well as a refreshing drink like a dry white wine or mint lemonade.

Variations and combinations:

- Goat cheese terrine: Replace the cottage cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetable terrine: Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enrich the flavor and add vibrant colors to the dish.

Liver and mushroom terrine is a versatile and characterful dish, perfect for bringing a touch of elegance to your table. Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touches to this classic recipe!