Herb Salad with Chicken Liver

Herb Salad with Chicken Liver Recipe from Italy and Scotland

Region / culture: Italy, Scotland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Herb Salad with Chicken Liver recipe is a delicious and unique dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken liver with a fresh and vibrant herb salad. The creamy polenta provides a comforting base for the dish, while the tangy balsamic vinegar adds a burst of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy lunch.

History

Chicken liver has been a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world for centuries. It is often used in traditional dishes such as pâté or liver and onions. This recipe takes a modern twist on the classic chicken liver dish by pairing it with a fresh herb salad and creamy polenta.

Ingredients

0.75 pt (355 ml) milk
0.75 pt (355 ml) chicken stock
6 oz (170 g) easy cook polenta
3 oz (85 g) butter
4 pieces of 5 oz (142 g) chicken livers
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
6 spring onions, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
12 capers, rinsed
4 gherkins, sliced
1 tsp finely chopped flat italian parsley
3 tsp olive oil
1 bunch of Pocket Rocket juice

How to prepare

Heat the milk and stock in a large saucepan until it reaches boiling point.
Reduce the heat slightly and gradually add the polenta while stirring constantly.
Once all the polenta has been added and it starts to bubble, reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, taking care to prevent sticking.
Turn off the heat, stir in 1 oz (28 g) of butter, and transfer the mixture into an oiled flat heatproof dish.
Allow it to stand for a few hours.
Using a round cutter, shape the polenta into desired shapes and grill them under a preheated grill.
In a frying pan, heat the remaining butter and sauté the chicken livers for about 4–5 minutes, adjusting the cooking time based on desired doneness.
Add 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, mix well, and season with salt and ground black pepper.
Add the spring onions, red onions, capers, gherkins, and rocket, and gently toss them together.
To serve, place the chicken livers on the polenta rings and accompany with the herb salad.

Variations

Substitute the chicken livers with beef liver or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the herb salad for extra flavor and texture.
Top the dish with a poached egg for a luxurious twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the polenta slowly and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Sauté the chicken livers over medium heat to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.

- Toss the herb salad gently to avoid bruising the delicate greens.

- Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the flavors at their best.

Serving Suggestions

This Herb Salad with Chicken Liver dish can be served as a main course for a fancy dinner or a special lunch. It pairs well with a glass of red wine and a side of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the chicken livers over medium heat ensures they are cooked through but still tender.

- Grilling the polenta rings adds a crispy texture to the dish.

- Tossing the herb salad gently ensures the delicate greens are not bruised.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cornmeal instead of polenta if you cannot find it at your local grocery store.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor.

- Use arugula or spinach instead of rocket for the herb salad.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the polenta and herb salad ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

- Cook the chicken livers in advance and reheat them gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the polenta rings on a platter and top them with the sautéed chicken livers. - Place the herb salad in a separate bowl and serve it alongside the chicken liver dish. - Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Pairing Recommendations

This Herb Salad with Chicken Liver dish pairs well with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

- Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of this Herb Salad with Chicken Liver dish contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the polenta, which provides a comforting and filling base for the chicken liver and herb salad. One serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the butter used to cook the polenta and sauté the chicken livers. Additionally, the olive oil in the herb salad adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats. One serving of this dish contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Chicken liver is a rich source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. One serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense food that is high in vitamins A, B12, and iron. The herb salad also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. One serving of this dish contains approximately 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter), gluten (polenta), and potentially sulfites (balsamic vinegar). It also contains chicken liver, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this Herb Salad with Chicken Liver dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a special treat.

Summary

This Herb Salad with Chicken Liver recipe is a delicious and unique dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken liver with a fresh herb salad and creamy polenta. It is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as a special treat for a fancy dinner or a special lunch.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha who had recently returned from a trip to Italy. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with delicious Italian recipes, and as she flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Herb Salad with Chicken Liver.

I had never tried chicken liver before, but the combination of fresh herbs and tangy dressing in the salad sounded too tempting to resist. Martha assured me that it was a classic Italian dish, and that her grandmother used to make it for her when she was a child.

As Martha read out the ingredients and instructions, I eagerly took mental notes, knowing that I would soon be recreating this dish in my own kitchen. The next day, I went to the market to buy all the necessary ingredients: fresh parsley, mint, basil, and cilantro, along with a pound of chicken livers and a bottle of balsamic vinegar.

When I got home, I wasted no time in getting started. I marinated the chicken livers in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then sautéed them until they were cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. Meanwhile, I chopped up the herbs and tossed them together in a bowl, adding a bit of lemon juice and salt to bring out their flavors.

Once the chicken livers were done, I let them cool slightly before slicing them thinly and arranging them on top of the herb salad. The combination of savory chicken livers and aromatic herbs was a revelation, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Herb Salad with Chicken Liver countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I swap out the herbs for whatever I have on hand, or I add a splash of white wine to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor. No matter how I make it, though, the dish always reminds me of that sunny day in Martha's kitchen, when I first discovered the magic of Italian cooking.

As I have shared this recipe with friends and family, I have heard countless stories of their own culinary adventures and the recipes that have shaped their lives. It never ceases to amaze me how food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I am grateful for all the recipes that I have collected over the years, each one a treasure trove of flavors and experiences. Whether it's a simple pasta dish or a complex dessert, each recipe tells a story of where it came from and the people who have passed it down through generations.

So the next time you try a new recipe, take a moment to savor the flavors and imagine the stories behind it. You never know what culinary adventures await you, and what delicious memories you will create along the way.