Wednesday, 9 August 2023

Chicken Liver Pate

 This is lovely with a good quality cracker and a nice glass of wine!


225g chicken livers, rinsed well under cold water
3/4 cup + 1 tbsp butter, divided
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly cracked pepper to taste
2 shallots, finely chopped 
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp cognac
1/2 tsp allspice
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
fresh herbs for garnish

  • Trim any connective tissue or discoloured pieces from livers.   Cut each in half where the lobes naturally separate.
  • In a large frying pan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.  When butter is foaming, add livers.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook, turning often, until livers are just no longer pink inside, about 4 minutes.  Transfer to a plate.  Set aside.
  • To the same pan, add shallots and garlic.  Cook, stirring often, until soft and lightly brown, 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir in Cognac, carefully ignite with a barbecue lighter or match to quickly burn off alcohol.  Alternatively, Cognac can be reduced for 2 minutes.  When flame subsides or after 2 minutes, remove from heat and stir in allspice and nutmeg.  Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Cut 1/2 cup butter into cubes, then transfer to a food processor along with cooled livers and shallot mixture.  Process until very smooth, scraping down sides if needed.  Scrape into a serving bowl, smooth top.
  • In a small saucepan, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter.  Pour evenly over pate.  Refrigerate until set, 1 hour.  Sprinkle with fresh herbs, if using before serving.  Serve with baguette or crackers.  Pate can be made ahead and chilled for up to 2 days.  Bring to room temperature before serving.
Serves 6 to 8

From Food and Drink Holiday 2021

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