What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh liver (chicken, duck, or pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of brandy or cognac
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
Step 1: Preparing the Liver
Start by cleaning and trimming the liver to remove any membrane or veins. Pat it dry with a paper towel and cut it into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sautéing the Onion and Garlic
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Cooking the Liver
In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the liver to the skillet and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned. You want the liver to be cooked on the outside but still slightly pink on the inside.
Step 4: Deglazing with Brandy or Cognac
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully add the brandy or cognac. Return the skillet to medium heat and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the alcohol to evaporate for a minute or two.
Step 5: Blending the Ingredients
Transfer the cooked liver, sautéed onions, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add thyme, nutmeg, allspice, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
Step 6: Refrigerating the Pâté
Transfer the mixture into a ramekin or a container of your choice. Smooth the top with a spoon and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the pâté to prevent oxidation. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pâté to firm up.
Step 7: Serving and Enjoying
Once chilled and firm, your liver pâté is ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on fresh bread, crackers, or use it to elevate your favorite sandwich recipe.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily create a delicious liver pâté that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let your inner chef shine as you embark on your liver pâté-making journey!