Savory Chicken Livers With Sweet Peppers And Onions Recipes

SAUTéED CHICKEN LIVERS AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Put the raisins in a bowl with warm water to cover, so they plump up for a few minutes.
• Slice the onions in half and then crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half moons (see photo, page 28). Put 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 of butter in one of the skillets and set it over medium heat. As the butter melts, stir in the onions, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and drop in the bay leaves. Shake the pan and turn the onions as they heat and start to sizzle, then lower the heat slightly and cook the onions slowly as they gradually wilt and start to color, stirring and tossing them occasionally.
• After 15 minutes or so, when the onions are deep gold all over, raise the heat a bit, pour in the vinegar, and cook for a minute, stirring the onions in the vinegar as it steams and evaporates. Drain the raisins, and gently squeeze out the excess liquid; scatter them in the skillet and toss together with the onions. Now lower the heat, and continue cooking the onions until they're as dark and caramelized as you want them be. Turn off the heat, and let the onions rest in the hot pan.
• While the onions are cooking, clean the livers (I do this on paper towels): with a paring knife remove all the fat, veins, and membranes, and slice the livers into separate lobes. Rinse them well, then pat dry with fresh paper towels. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt and grind pepper on all surfaces of the livers.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 of butter in the second skillet, over medium-high heat, until the butter is melted and foaming. Before the butter begins to color, lay the livers in the pan, without crowding them. With the heat high, cook the livers for 2 minutes or a bit more, until they're browned and crisped on the underside, then turn them over (in the order in which you put them in the pan). Cook about 2 minutes on the second side, until they are nicely crisped all over, and lift them-a couple at a time-with a spider or slotted spoon; let the oil drain off, and place them in the first, warm skillet, next to the onions. Don't overcook the livers: they should still be slightly pink inside when you move them. Taste a piece and season with more salt and pepper if you want.
• If you will be serving right away, heap the onions on top of the livers, then spoon onions and liver together onto warm serving plates. If serving is delayed, leave the onions and livers in separate parts of the pan so the livers don't get soggy. Smother the livers with onions when you serve.
• Some piping-hot Basic Polenta (page 215), or grilled polenta (page 216).
• Poached Whole Zucchini with Lemon and Olive Oil (page 237).
• Skillet-Cooked Broccoli (page 277) or Skillet Cauliflower (page 268).

SWEET-AND-SOUR CHICKEN LIVERS

Steps:

• In a saucepan, saute chicken livers in oil for 8-10 minutes or until juices run clear. Add green peppers, pineapple and salt; saute until peppers are tender. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, broth, vinegar and soy sauce until smooth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Pour over chicken livers. Serve over rice.

LIVER WITH PEPPERS AND ONIONS

Steps:

• In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add liver; toss to coat. In a large skillet, cook onion and peppers in 2 tablespoons oil until crisp-tender. Remove from pan; set aside. , In same skillet, cook and stir liver in remaining oil for 5-7 minutes or until no pink remains. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth and soy sauce until smooth; stir into liver. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return vegetables to the skillet; heat through. Serve with rice or noodles.

CHICKEN LIVERS WITH ONIONS & GREEN PEPPERS

Steps:

• In large deep skillet, add olive oil and preheat to medium heat.
• Toss in the green pepper and sweet onion, saute quickly. Lift out on toweled plate. Pat towels on top to remove oil.
• In medium bowl, beat egg until frothy and cold water.
• Place flour in a flat pan with the salt and pepper.
• Put cornstarch in a ziplock bag, a little at a time, add a few dry chicken livers and shake shake shake. Remove the livers from the bag. and coat in the egg mixture then in flour mixture and place in a heated pan.
• Do this until all chicken livers are coated and placed in the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Sauté until golden, turning over once or twice. Place on a heat proof plate, cover and keep warm in 250°F oven.
• Return the sautéed green peppers and onions to the pan and add tomato sauce,sugar if desired, sprinkle with chili pepper and Tabasco if desired.
• Stir around until simmering.
• Serve with hot buttered noodles or rice.
• In a large deep serving platter, spoon noodles around the edges, then the peppers and onions and then place the livers on top.

ITALIAN INN FRIED CHICKEN LIVERS AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Take the chicken livers you are preparing and dredge them in sifted salt, pepper, and flour. Shake off excess. Slice yellow onion in rings and add livers and onion slices to cast iron skillet. Fry until nicely browned and crisp. Then add Worcestershire sauce.
• This was the "secret" ingredient that set them apart from ordinary fried chicken livers. Fry them in olive oil, and be sure the oil and skillet are VERY hot before adding the livers and onions.