Liver in coffee sauce

Delicious chicken liver recipe with orange sauce and caramel spider web - An unforgettable culinary experience

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a meal that impresses guests and adds a touch of elegance to the holiday table? Chicken liver with orange sauce and sugar spider web is a recipe that combines the refined flavors of brandy, the sweet and sour juice of orange, and a rich sauce with an unmistakable coffee aroma. This recipe not only prepares relatively quickly, but it also contains simple ingredients that you can easily find.

History and inspiration

Chicken liver has always been a versatile ingredient in gastronomy, appreciated not only for its rich taste but also for its nutritional value. Combining it with orange juice and other spices pays homage to culinary traditions from many cultures, where the sweet taste perfectly blends with the salty. The sugar spider web is a spectacular trick that transforms a simple dish into a true work of art.

Ingredients

- 500g chicken liver (or another type of bird liver)
- 3 tablespoons good quality brandy
- 1 glass of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cloves
- 1 cup of liquid coffee
- 3 tablespoons red wine
- 1 orange (for decoration)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the spider web)

Ingredient details

Chicken liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially vitamin A), and minerals. The brandy adds a touch of refinement, while the orange juice brings a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Nutmeg and cloves provide a special fragrance, and the coffee completes the flavor palette with a rich depth. The sugar will become a decorative element, but also a surprising ingredient.

Preparing the liver

1. Start by cleaning the chicken liver, removing membranes or any impurities. Wash it well under a stream of cold water and dry it with a paper towel.
2. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the liver and fry it for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it becomes golden and tender. Make sure not to overcrowd it so it fries evenly.

Flambéing

3. Once the liver is cooked, add the brandy and, with the utmost care, flambé it. This is the moment when the brandy will ignite, bringing an intense flavor to the liver. It’s important to do this step carefully and ensure there are no flammable objects nearby.

Preparing the sauce

4. In another saucepan, pour the orange juice and bring it to a boil. When it starts to boil, add the fried liver along with the oil from the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors.
5. Add the nutmeg, cloves, coffee, and red wine. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the liver absorbs the flavors. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

The spider web

6. In a clean skillet, place the sugar and let it melt over low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a golden caramel. It’s crucial not to let it go too long, as it can burn quickly.
7. Once the sugar is melted, take a fork and, with quick movements, draw thin strands of caramel over the liver, forming a spider web. Make sure the liver is not hot; otherwise, the caramel will melt.

Serving

8. Prepare a platter or individual plates. Start by placing slices of orange on the plate, without the peel, as a serving bed for the liver. Place the liver on top, dressed in its aromatic sauce, and decorate with the caramel spider web.

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables like carrots and zucchini. A dry white wine or a light red wine would be the ideal accompaniment, bringing a perfect balance to your table.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of liver?
Of course! This recipe works well with beef or duck liver, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add a bit of chili or even cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Is this recipe suitable for diets?
Liver is very nutritious but also contains a high amount of cholesterol. Consume it in moderation, especially if you are following a low-cholesterol diet.

4. Can I prepare the liver in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the liver and sauce a few hours ahead, and before serving, just reheat it gently.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken liver is rich in protein and vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is essential for eye, skin, and immune system health. It also contains iron and other important minerals. The orange juice brings antioxidants and vitamin C, while the spices add not only flavor but also beneficial properties to the body.

Variations

You can experiment with different types of fruits for decoration – slices of apple or pear can add a novel touch. Also, instead of red wine, try using a sweet white wine to complement the flavors.

In conclusion, chicken liver with orange sauce and caramel spider web is a recipe that will not only impress but will also bring a touch of elegance and creativity to your table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and surprise your guests with an extraordinary dish, full of flavor and story!