Crostini Di Fegatini(Chicken Liver Croutons)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

Delicate chicken liver crostini topped with sage and capers, featuring earthy mushrooms and a touch of Vin Santo for a rich, savory appetizer perfect for special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 porcini mushrooms or champignons
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 fresh sage leaves
  • freshly ground pepper
  • salt
  • 1 heaping teaspoon capers, drained
  • milk
  • 12 slices firm, coarse textured bread
  • 2 large chicken livers
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Vin Santo
  • 1 anchovy fillet
  • 1 egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Clean and slice the mushrooms.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the mushrooms until tender.
  3. Add chopped garlic and sage leaves; cook for another minute.
  4. In a separate pan, clean and chop the chicken livers, then sauté until browned and cooked through.
  5. Deglaze the liver pan with Vin Santo, then add capers and cook for a minute.
  6. Optional: Add a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick, blending if desired.
  7. Toast the bread slices until golden and crispy.
  8. Spread the chicken liver mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
  9. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and a sage leaf if desired.
  10. Serve immediately as an elegant appetizer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using wild mushrooms if available. If you're short on time, store-bought chicken liver pâté can be a quick substitute. To add depth, try incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the Vin Santo. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can also enhance the dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These crostini make a sophisticated appetizer on their own, but you can serve them alongside a light salad or a charcuterie board for a more substantial spread. They pair beautifully with a glass of Vin Santo or a light red wine. For a delightful contrast, consider serving with a fruit chutney or pickled vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover crostini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crostini Di Fegatini(Chicken Liver Croutons) contains roughly 532 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1687mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).

532 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.4g 11% DV
Total Fat 31.7g 41% DV
Carbs 57.3g 21% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 30.8g 62% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1687.4mg 73% DV
Potassium 161mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 21.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 70.9mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 3% DV
Calcium 155.2mg 12% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken livers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken livers. Just ensure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for a better sear. This will help achieve that lovely browned exterior.

What kind of bread works best for crostini?

A firm, coarse-textured bread like ciabatta or baguette is ideal for crostini, as it holds up well to the toppings. You can also use rustic sourdough for a tangy flavor. Just ensure the slices are toasted well for the best texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian alternative, consider substituting the chicken livers with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture. You can also use a blend of olives and nuts to create a spread that mimics the richness of the original dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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