Are you looking for a quick, elegant, and surprisingly delicious appetizer or light meal? Then look no further! This chopped chicken liver recipe takes inspiration from the Barefoot Contessa's sophisticated simplicity, offering a homemade taste that's far superior to anything store-bought. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a sophisticated party, or even a simple lunch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken livers, trimmed of any membranes or tough bits
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds fantastic depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and shallots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't let them brown, just become translucent. This is key to building a delicious base flavor for this recipe.
-
Cook the Chicken Livers: Add the chicken livers to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Overcooking will result in dry, tough livers, so pay close attention. They should be slightly pink in the center.
-
Deglaze the Pan: If using sherry, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce slightly, about a minute. Stir in the chicken broth.
-
Blend or Chop: Once the livers have cooled slightly, either pulse them in a food processor until coarsely chopped or finely chop them by hand. We recommend a mix of both textures for a more interesting mouthfeel.
-
Combine and Season: Transfer the chopped livers to a medium bowl. Stir in the hard-boiled eggs, capers, and parsley. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers. This delicious dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Chopped Chicken Liver:
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest chicken livers you can find. The quality of the livers will significantly impact the final taste.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked chicken livers will be dry and tough. Cook them just until they're no longer pink in the center.
- Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! Taste the mixture after adding the eggs, capers, and parsley and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as chives, dill, or tarragon.
- Roasted Garlic: Add a clove or two of roasted garlic for a deeper, richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and ingredients used. Consider using a nutritional calculator for precise values based on your specific recipe. However, generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein and iron.
This chopped chicken liver recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of homemade cooking! It's a testament to how easy it is to create delicious dishes with readily available ingredients. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your collection of best recipes.