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Calf's Liver with Onions and White Wine

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  • #5775

Craving something unique and tasty? Try this easy-to-make calf's liver recipe with onions, beef stock, and white wine. A delicious dish for liver lovers.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes

ingredients

4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
1/2 cup butter, cut in bits
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound calf's liver, cut in strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons beef stock
3 tablespoons dry white wine

directions

Add the onions, butter, and sage to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and lightly browned.

In a zip-top plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the liver, in batches if needed, and shake to coat the liver in the flour mixture.

Add the liver to the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly.

Remove the liver and onions from the skillet and place on a heated plate or serving dish.

Add the parsley, beef stock, and white wine to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to deglaze the pan.

Pour the wine mixture over the liver and onions and serve immediately.

recipe tips


You can soak the liver in milk before cooking to remove any bitterness. This is particularly helpful if you are using beef liver in place of calf's liver in this recipe.

Do not overcook the liver, as it will become tough and lose its delicate flavor.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to the dish for a tangy kick.

For extra richness, finish the dish with a pat of butter before serving.

Try adding sauteed mushrooms as a topping for extra flavor.

Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.

common recipe questions


What is calf's liver?

Calf's liver is the liver of a young cow, known for its tender texture and mild flavor compared to beef liver.

Can I substitute beef liver for calf's liver?

You can substitute beef liver for calf's liver, but keep in mind that beef liver has a stronger flavor.

Why coat the liver in flour before cooking?

Coating the liver in flour helps to give it a crispy exterior and also helps thicken the sauce in the dish.

How do I know when the liver is cooked?

The liver is cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and has a slightly browned crust on the outside.

Can I use a different type of wine?

You can use a dry red or white wine, depending on your preference, to deglaze the pan and add flavor to the dish.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Can I reheat leftovers of this dish?

Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet over low heat.

Can calf's liver be frozen?

Calf's liver can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tools needed


Large Skillet: The main tool needed for this recipe, as it is used to cook the onions, liver, and sauce all in one pan. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.

Zip-Top Plastic Bag: To coat the calf's liver in the flour mixture. This method allows for even coating and makes cleanup a breeze.

Tongs: For adding the liver to the skillet in batches and flipping it while cooking. Tongs provide a better grip and control compared to a spatula.

Spoon or Spatula: To stir the liver and onions while cooking in the skillet, as well as to mix the beef stock and white wine to create the flavorful sauce.

Knife: To cut the calf's liver into strips before cooking. A sharp knife makes this task easier and safer.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the butter, flour, salt, pepper, parsley, beef stock, and white wine.

what goes with it?


French Onion Soup: The rich and savory flavors of the calf's liver and onions will pair perfectly with the comforting warmth of French onion soup.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic will complement the bold flavors of the liver and onions.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula and bright lemon vinaigrette will add a fresh and tangy element to balance out the richness of the liver and onions.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized, nutty flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts will contrast with the savory liver and onions, creating a deliciously unexpected combination.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze on carrots will provide a delightful contrast to the savory liver and onions.

beverage pairings


Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: This buttery white wine can complement the richness of the liver while providing a touch of elegance with its oaky notes.

Merlot: A fruit forward Merlot can provide a nice contrast to the savory liver, with its soft tannins and plum flavors adding depth to each bite.

Malbec: The full-bodied nature of Malbec, with its dark fruit and spice undertones, can stand up to the intensity of the liver, creating a bold pairing experience.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Scotch: A nice glass of Scotch can enhance the earthy flavors of the liver, with its smoky, peaty notes bringing out the depth of the dish.

Gin and Tonic: The herbal notes in a classic G&T can cut through the richness of the liver while adding a refreshing touch with the crisp tonic.

IPA: The hoppy and bitter notes in an IPA can provide a nice contrast to the savory liver, with the citrusy undertones balancing out the flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Apple Juice: A chilled glass of apple juice can complement the sweetness of the onions and the rich flavor of the liver, adding a fruity touch to each bite.

Ginger Ale: The spice from the ginger in a glass of ginger ale can enhance the sage in the dish, while the bubbles can help cleanse the palate between each bite.

Cranberry Juice: The tartness of cranberry juice can cut through the richness of the liver, providing a refreshing and tangy sip alongside each bite.


nutrition data

Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.


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reviews & comments

  1. Guest Foodie

    We love Calf's liver (never get beef liv.) I usually just lightly flour it, salt & pepper, and fry it up in my cast iron pan. I serve it with Caramelized onions. This posted recipe sounds very tasty. I'll be trying it out soon, WHEN I can get Calf's liver, due to the situation in the stores during the pandemic. :-((

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