Liver in sauce

Liver in sauce: a delicious recipe that combines the flavor of simple ingredients with rich culinary traditions. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a special dinner. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you will achieve a tasty and comforting dish that can be served with a generous portion of polenta or potatoes.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 500 g chicken liver
- 500 ml milk (to soak the livers)
- Oil for sautéing
- 1 cup (about 250 ml) of water
- 2 large onions
- 300 g smoked bacon (or bacon for a stronger flavor)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- Spices to taste (salt, pepper, sweet paprika)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the livers: Start by washing the chicken livers well under cold running water. Then, place them in a bowl with 500 ml of milk to marinate for 30 minutes. This step is essential, as the milk will help eliminate the bitter taste and improve the texture of the livers.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the livers are soaking, peel and finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Adding the smoked bacon: Cut the smoked bacon into small cubes and add it to the skillet over the onion. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, until the bacon is slightly browned and releases its aroma.

4. The tomato sauce: Pour the tomato juice and the cup of water into the skillet, mixing all the ingredients well. Let the sauce simmer gently.

5. Adding the livers: After the livers have soaked in the milk, drain them and rinse them under cold water. Add them to the skillet over the tomato sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Let them simmer on low heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until well cooked and the sauce has reduced.

6. Seasoning: In the last minutes of cooking, add salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Also, crush the garlic and add it to the skillet, letting everything come to a final boil.

7. Serving: Once the livers are ready, serve them warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs perfectly with steaming polenta or mashed potatoes. An interesting option is to serve them with pickled tomatoes, which add a pleasant tangy note.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh livers for better flavor. You can find chicken livers at trusted butchers or grocery stores.
- If you don't have smoked bacon, you can use regular bacon or even a few slices of smoked sausage for a similar flavor.
- You can vary the recipe by adding mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for a more complex texture and flavor.

Nutritional information: Chicken livers are an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially B12), and minerals such as iron. They are indicated in various diets, contributing to maintaining a healthy immune system and to the formation of red blood cells.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I replace chicken livers with another type of liver?* Yes, you can use beef or pork livers, but the cooking time may vary.
- *How can I store leftover livers?* Cooked livers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.

This simple and flavorful dish is an ideal choice for a quick dinner, full of flavor and tradition. I encourage you to try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy!