Many people who hear that liver is for dinner will immediately turn up their noses. If they're never tasted liver and onions, or have had the dish when it's been cooked badly, they are convinced that there isn't any way the entrée can taste good. Liver is an organ meat, most often from a cow, chicken or deer, that is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Liver also cooks quickly, so it is the perfect meat for those days when you don't have a lot of time for dinner preparation.
Traditional Liver and Onion Meal
The traditional liver and onion entrée uses beef liver as the main ingredient. Lamb or chicken liver can be substituted if they are available at your local supermarket. To make liver and onions, fry a few slices of bacon in a heavy skillet. Remove the bacon and keep the grease. Sauté sliced onion rings in the bacon grease until translucent and tender. Push the onions to one side of the pan. Dredge beef liver slices in flour. Fry the liver in the bacon grease, browning on both sides until a knife inserted into the meat shows no pink remaining. Serve with mashed potatoes, greens or green beans, and cornbread. If desired, you can add a cup of milk to the skillet, after the liver and onions are removed, to make gravy for the mashed potatoes.
Grilled Liver and Onions
Grill the liver and top it with roasted onion slices. Liver can be grilled on the barbecue or in the oven, so it's a year-round option. Grill or broil the liver for three to four minutes on each side. Roast the onions with a bit of olive oil for 30 minutes. Serve together, along with a baked potato and corn on the cob.
Chicken Livers and Onions
Fry several slices of bacon in a skillet. Remove the bacon and chop into pieces. Rough-chop onions and sauté them in the bacon grease. Place a pound of chicken livers in the pan and season with pepper and other desired seasonings. Spread the livers evenly in the pan. Pour three tablespoons of molasses or honey over the livers and return the bacon to the pan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and let cook until the moisture has evaporated. Serve over rice and add steamed vegetables on the side.
Tags: bacon grease, liver onions, beef liver, Liver Onion, mashed potatoes
