Spaghetti with peas and chicken livers

Spaghetti with Peas and Chicken Liver - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Who can resist a steaming plate of spaghetti with creamy sauce, full of flavors and diverse textures? This spaghetti recipe with peas and chicken liver is not only a quick and simple choice but also an excellent way to integrate proteins and vegetables into your daily diet. Chicken livers are often underestimated, but they are a rich source of nutrients, and the combination with peas adds a burst of flavor and color to your plate.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 450 g chicken livers
- 200 g spaghetti
- 450 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1/2 celery
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Oil for frying

Ingredient tips:

Chicken livers are an excellent choice, being nutritious and rich in flavor. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality ones. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken liver with beef liver for a more intense taste. Fresh peas are ideal, but frozen ones retain their nutrients very well. You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to add variety to the dish.

Recipe story:

This recipe is a perfect example of comfort food that brings the family together around the table. Originating from diverse culinary traditions, spaghetti with sauce is reinterpreted in numerous ways, and the combination with livers and peas reminds us of the richness of simple yet flavorful ingredients. It is a recipe that can be seasonally adapted, depending on the available vegetables.

Cooking techniques:

1. Preparing the livers:
Start by thawing the chicken livers if they are frozen. Wash them well under cold running water and clean them of any membranes or fat. Let them drain well on a cutting board. This step is essential to avoid an unpleasant liver taste.

2. Frying the livers:
In a pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the livers and fry for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly browned. It is important not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced vegetables - carrot, onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. Add the sweet paprika and mix well.

4. Boiling the vegetables:
Pour about 200 ml of water over the vegetables. Let them boil over medium heat, covered, for 10 minutes, or until they become tender. This step will enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

5. Adding the peas and spices:
When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the peas, tomato paste, finely chopped garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Finally, add the fried livers to the vegetable sauce and gently mix to coat them with the sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Boiling the spaghetti:
In a separate pot, boil salted water and add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 12 minutes, until al dente. Drain them well.

8. Serving:
On plates, place a portion of spaghetti and top with the liver and pea sauce. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.

Serving and combinations:

Spaghetti with peas and chicken liver can be served alongside a fresh vegetable salad or with a side of toasted bread. A bottle of dry white wine or craft beer would perfectly complement the meal. Additionally, for those looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with whole grain pasta.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or chili sauce to the vegetable sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe offers an excellent balance of proteins, fibers, and vitamins. Chicken livers are rich in iron and vitamin A, while peas provide vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Combined with the carbohydrates from spaghetti, it is a complete meal that will energize you for the entire day.

Possible variations:

To add a touch of creativity, you can add spices such as cumin or coriander, or replace peas with green beans. Additionally, for a richer flavor, you can add a splash of cream or goat cheese at the end.

This spaghetti recipe with peas and chicken liver is not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring vegetables and proteins into your diet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it is sure to impress everyone at the table. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let's cook together!