Liver with onions is a traditional home-cooked dish that has been a part of many cultures, especially in Latin America and Europe. This dish is loved for its intense flavor and the simplicity of its ingredients. Although not everyone is fond of liver, when cooked properly, it can become a tasty and nutritious delight. Liver is a rich source of iron, B vitamins, and protein, making it a healthy option to include in your diet.
Main ingredients
To prepare this traditional recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
500 grams of beef or pork liver (can be veal, according to your preferences)
2 large onions, julienned
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup white wine or broth (optional)
½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Cumin powder (optional)
Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Flour (optional to flour the liver)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the liver
Before you start cooking, it is essential to properly prepare the liver to improve its texture and flavor. Sometimes, liver can have a bitter taste, so it is advisable to soak it in vinegar or lemon juice.
Cleanse the liver: Remove any veins or membranes that may be present. If you prefer a softer texture, you can ask your butcher to cut it into thin fillets.
Soak in vinegar or lemon juice: Place the liver fillets in a bowl and cover them with white vinegar or lemon juice. This step helps to soften the strong flavor of the liver and improve its texture. Let it sit for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Drain and dry: After soaking, drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. If you prefer a crispy coating on your liver, you can lightly flour the fillets. Flour will help the liver brown evenly during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the onions
Onion is a crucial component in this recipe, as it adds a sweet touch and softens the strong flavor of the liver.
Julienne the onions: Once the onions are peeled, cut them into thin strips (julienne). This allows them to cook evenly and blend well with the liver.
Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and minced garlic. Cook slowly until the onions are translucent and caramelized, which will take about 15-20 minutes. If you notice the onions are browning too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water or white wine to keep them from burning.
Seasoning: Add salt, pepper and, if you prefer, a little cumin for an extra touch of flavor. Mix well.
Step 3: Cook the liver
Once the onions are ready, it's time to cook the liver. This process is quick and must be done carefully to avoid the liver becoming tough or rubbery.
Fry the liver: In another pan, heat a little more oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the liver fillets and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The liver should be browned on the outside but still juicy on the inside. If you overcook it, it will become tough.
Add wine or broth (optional): If you want a more sophisticated and juicy touch, you can add a cup of white wine or broth to the pan once the liver is browned. Allow the liquid to reduce a little and absorb the flavors of the liver.
Add the onions: Once the liver is cooked, add the caramelized onions to the pan and mix well. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve
The liver with onions can be served immediately, accompanied by side dishes that complement its flavour. Below are some ideas for traditional accompaniments.
Suggested accompaniments:
Mashed potatoes: Softens the strong flavor of the liver and gives a creamy touch to the dish.
White rice: Perfect for absorbing the juices and sauce from the liver and onions.
Fresh Salad: A green leaf salad with tomato, cucumber and light vinaigrette is a fresh and light option that contrasts with the intense flavor of the liver.
Fried or roasted potatoes: Adds a crunchy touch to the meal.
Decoration:
If you want to add a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the liver and onions before serving. This not only adds a touch of colour, but also adds freshness to the dish.
Additional tips for a perfect liver with onions
Avoid overcooking: Liver is a meat that cooks quickly. If cooked for too long, it can become dry and tough. That's why it's essential to keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat when it's still slightly pink in the center.
Controlling the strong taste: Soaking in vinegar or lemon juice helps to soften the strong taste of liver. You can also use milk instead of vinegar to soak it, which also helps to reduce its strong taste.
Adding additional spices: If you like more intense flavors, you can experiment with different spices such as sweet paprika, ground chili pepper or even a touch of dried oregano. These ingredients can give your liver and onions a unique touch.
Texture: If you prefer a liver with a firmer texture, you can choose to cut it into strips instead of fillets. This also makes the cooking process easier, as the strips brown evenly.
Nutritional benefits of liver
Liver is one of the most nutritious foods you can incorporate into your diet. It contains high amounts of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, making it an excellent food for people suffering from anemia. In addition, it is rich in vitamin A, which promotes eye and skin health, and contains B vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of the metabolism.
However, due to its high vitamin A content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation, since in large quantities it can be harmful to health.
Variations of liver with onions
Liver with onions is a very versatile dish, and there are various ways to adapt it according to local or family preferences.
Liver with onions and peppers: Adding colorful peppers to the onion stir-fry can add an additional sweet touch and make the dish more colorful.
Liver with onions and bacon: If you want to give it a richer touch, you can fry some pieces of bacon before cooking the onions and add the liver to the same pan, using the bacon fat to enhance the flavor.
Mexican Liver with Onions: In Mexico, it is common to add chili peppers and tomatoes to liver with onions to give it a spicy and acidic touch. This version is perfect for those who enjoy more intense flavors.
Liver with onions is a dish that, when cooked properly, can be a memorable culinary experience. Its simplicity and the intensity of its flavors make it a delicious option for those who enjoy traditional recipes. Plus, it's an excellent way to incorporate essential nutrients into your diet. With the tips and steps outlined in this article, you'll be ready to prepare a juicy liver with onions, full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!