Pâté de volaille

Chicken Liver Pâté: A Delicacy at Home

Chicken liver pâté is a classic recipe that brings a touch of elegance and refinement to your table. It is an excellent choice for appetizers or snacks, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself during moments of culinary delight. Moreover, it is a simple and quick recipe with ingredients that you can easily find, making it a perfect option for a quick dessert or a delicious snack.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 550 g chicken liver
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 garlic cloves
- salt and pepper to taste
- 170 g butter (plus 30 g for melting)
- milk to cover the liver

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Liver:
Start by washing the chicken liver under a stream of cold water. It is essential to remove any impurities, so take your time! You can use a sieve to ensure the liver is clean.

2. Boiling the Liver:
Place the liver in a pot and add milk until it is completely covered. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and garlic cloves, lightly crushed with the blade of a knife to release the flavors. Boil on medium heat for 40 minutes, then let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This step will ensure that the liver becomes tender and infused with flavors.

3. Cooling the Liver:
After the liver is cooked, remove it from the milk and let it cool. This is an important moment, as I want to ensure that the pâté's texture is perfect.

4. Blending the Ingredients:
Once the liver has cooled, add it to a blender along with 170 g of softened butter, cut into cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy paste. If you prefer a less fine texture, you can leave a few small pieces of liver.

5. Packaging:
Transfer the liver paste into 2 containers with lids. This will not only keep the pâté fresh but also make serving easier.

6. Covering with Butter:
Melt the 30 g of butter and pour it over the pâté to create a protective layer. This butter layer will help preserve the flavors and add a touch of richness.

7. Chilling in the Refrigerator:
Place the containers in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight. This way, the flavors will meld, and the pâté will have a better texture.

Serving:
When you are ready to serve the pâté, remove it from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature. It is wonderful to serve with slices of toasted bread, savory crackers, or even fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. You can also pair it with a cranberry sauce or onion jam for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of brandy or whisky while blending.
- Replace some of the butter with cream cheese for a different texture and a less fatty taste.
- The pâté keeps well in the refrigerator but can be frozen for later use.

Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins A, B12, and iron, essential for your health. Its rich taste and creamy texture make this pâté not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of liver? Yes, you can use beef or pork liver, but the cooking time will be different.
- Can I make the pâté without butter? It is possible, but the texture and taste will be different. You can replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter version, but it won't have the same creaminess.
- How long does chicken liver pâté last in the refrigerator? The pâté keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Possible Variations:
- Add spices like red pepper or chili for a pâté with a bit of heat.
- Try including fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh flavor.

Chicken liver pâté is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that can quickly become a family favorite. By trying this recipe, not only do you enjoy a delicious dish, but you also connect with a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. So, embrace the art of cooking at home and indulge yourself and your loved ones with this delicacy!