Chicken Livers Marengo

Chicken Livers Marengo Recipe from Italy - Ingredients and Instructions

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Livers Marengo is a classic French dish that features tender chicken livers cooked in a flavorful tomato and sherry sauce. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

Chicken Livers Marengo is said to have been created by Napoleon's chef after the Battle of Marengo in 1800. The dish was made with ingredients that were readily available to the soldiers, including chicken livers, tomatoes, and sherry. It has since become a popular dish in French cuisine.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) chicken livers
0.33 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp seasoned pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup sliced onion
0.25 cup dry sherry
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz or 454 g) peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
0.5 cup water
0.5 cup sour cream
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cut the chicken livers in half, wash them, and pat them dry.
Place flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Add the livers, a few at a time, and shake to coat them.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the livers, turning them to brown evenly.
Add the onion and sherry. Stir to loosen the brown particles.
Add the tomatoes, bouillon, and water. Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
Serve the mixture over hot rice.

Variations

You can add mushrooms or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
You can also add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and pat dry the chicken livers before cooking to remove any excess moisture.

- Coating the livers in flour before cooking helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Adding sherry to the sauce gives the dish a rich and complex flavor.

- Stirring in sour cream at the end adds a creamy texture to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Livers Marengo is delicious served over hot cooked rice. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken livers until they are no longer pink in the center.

- Simmering the sauce helps to meld the flavors together and create a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon granules for a richer sauce.

- You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Cook the chicken livers just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Livers Marengo in a shallow bowl over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Livers Marengo pairs well with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Livers Marengo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Livers Marengo contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Livers Marengo contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Livers Marengo contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken livers are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Chicken Livers Marengo is a nutrient-dense dish that is high in protein and iron. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chicken Livers Marengo is a classic French dish that is hearty and satisfying. With tender chicken livers cooked in a flavorful tomato and sherry sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Livers Marengo. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie for dinner. As we chatted and sipped on a glass of wine, she disappeared into the kitchen to prepare our meal. The savory aroma that wafted from the stove made my mouth water, and I eagerly peeked over her shoulder to see what she was cooking.

Marie was stirring a rich tomato sauce that simmered with tender chicken livers and fragrant herbs. The sight of the dish bubbling away in her trusty cast iron skillet sparked my curiosity, and I asked her for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, Marie handed me a worn index card covered in faded handwriting.

"This is my grandmother's recipe for Chicken Livers Marengo," she explained. "It's a classic French dish that's both simple and elegant. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do."

I took the card home with me that night, feeling a rush of inspiration. I had always loved cooking, and the idea of adding a new recipe to my repertoire filled me with excitement. The next day, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I sautéed the chicken livers in butter and olive oil, the rich aroma filled the air and brought back memories of my childhood. My own grandmother had been a wonderful cook, and she had passed down her love of food and family to me. I thought of her as I added the tomatoes, wine, and herbs to the skillet, letting the flavors meld together into a delicious sauce.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. The tender chicken livers melted in my mouth, and the savory sauce was the perfect complement. I savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me.

From that moment on, Chicken Livers Marengo became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Marie and the special connection we shared through our love of cooking.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I swapped out the white wine for red, added a splash of cream for richness, and even threw in some mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. Each adaptation brought new excitement and joy to the dish, and I loved sharing my creations with friends and loved ones.

As I grew older, I realized that the true beauty of cooking lies not just in the flavors and aromas, but in the stories and memories that accompany each dish. Every time I made Chicken Livers Marengo, I felt a connection to my past and to the loved ones who had taught me so much about the joys of food and family.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of onions, garlic, and herbs, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Chicken Livers Marengo has become more than just a dish to me—it's a piece of my history, a reminder of the friendships and traditions that have shaped my life.

I may have learned this recipe from Marie, but in a way, it feels like a gift from my grandmother, passed down through the generations with love and care. And as I take another bite of the tender chicken livers, I know that I will always cherish the memories and connections that come with each delicious mouthful.