Liver with baked vegetables

Liver with Roasted Vegetables: A Delicious Dish Full of Flavor and Color

When we think of liver, memories from childhood come to mind, when Sunday meals were an occasion for family gatherings, and enticing aromas filled the house. Liver with roasted vegetables is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of protein with the nutrients from vegetables to create a healthy and hearty dish. This main course is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner and will delight your guests or family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g liver (preferably chicken or turkey)
- 4 large mushrooms (Champignon is ideal)
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 green onions
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 large tomato
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Olive oil, for sautéing

Step-by-step Preparation

1. Preparing the liver: Start by washing the liver well under cold running water, then remove any membranes or visible fat. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the liver and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden. Then, remove them to a plate and let them cool.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. Chop the onion, and clean and slice the mushrooms. Drizzle the mushrooms with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep a fresh color.

3. Assembling the dish: In a heatproof dish, layer the potatoes, mushrooms, and onion. Add the diluted tomato paste with a little water, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, mixing the ingredients well. This mixture will form a delicious base for the liver to rest on.

4. Adding the liver: Place the sautéed liver on top of the vegetable mixture. Slice the tomato and place the slices on top of the liver. This will add a touch of freshness and a slightly sweet note to the dish.

5. Baking: Add water to the dish until the vegetables are almost covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the vegetables to cook evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Finishing: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven, take off the aluminum foil, and let it bake for another 10 minutes until the liver is well cooked and the vegetables are tender. This step will help lightly caramelize the liver and intensify the flavors.

7. Serving: Serve the dish warm, sprinkled with chopped green onion. You can accompany the liver with a fresh green salad or a side of plain rice to balance the rich flavors.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Liver: Opt for fresh, high-quality liver for better taste. If you prefer, you can use frozen liver, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the liver with marinated tofu or tempeh. Tofu will absorb the flavors from the vegetables and add an interesting texture to the dish.
- Additional flavors: For an extra kick, you can add spices like smoked paprika or cumin, which will add an exotic note.

Nutritional Benefits

Liver is an excellent source of protein and contains significant amounts of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, essential for maintaining health. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it ideal for a hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can add carrots, zucchini, or even eggplant, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store leftover liver?
Leftover liver can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a skillet.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
Liver with vegetables can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

A Personal Note

This recipe for liver with roasted vegetables was passed down to me by my grandmother, who often prepared it on weekends. The aroma of sautéed liver and roasted vegetables brings back unforgettable memories, and every time I make it, I feel closer to those beautiful moments. I hope you can recreate the same moments of joy with your family!

I hope this recipe inspires you to start cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of liver with roasted vegetables! Bon appétit!