Hazel'S Liver And Onions
Hazel's Liver and Onions offers a savory, hearty dish featuring tender liver cooked with caramelized onions and a flavorful onion broth. Perfect for those who enjoy rich, comforting meals with simple ingredients, it combines crispy browned liver with sweet, soft onions for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peeled and sliced onion in a saucepan with salt and water. Bring to a boil and cook slowly until onion is almost done.
- Use a skillet large enough for liver to lay flat.
- Slowly heat bacon drippings in the skillet while preparing the liver.
- Place slices of liver in a plastic bag.
- Lay flat and lightly chop liver with the edge of a saucer. Turn.
- Chop the other side to tenderize.
- Remove liver from the plastic bag. Dredge lightly in flour, salt, and pepper.
- When the bacon grease is heated to a sizzle, place liver in the skillet.
- Brown the liver on both sides quickly.
- Use a slotted spoon to dip onion onto liver slices.
- Save the onion broth for gravy.
- Cook the onion and liver for several minutes on each side, browning the onion slightly.
- Remove the liver to a warm platter.
- Spoon the cooked onions onto the liver.
- Keep warm until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the liver in buttermilk for an hour before cooking; this helps tenderize it and reduces bitterness. If you don't have bacon drippings, use butter or olive oil instead. For added richness, you can also sauté mushrooms alongside the onions, which pairs beautifully with this dish. When cooking, avoid overcooking the liver to keep it tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the liver and onions with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of sautéed greens for a complete meal. A fresh salad or crusty bread can also complement this dish nicely. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a serving of Round-Up Bean Casserole, which balances the richness of the liver.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover liver and onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to prevent the liver from becoming tough. You can also add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hazel'S Liver And Onions contains roughly 16 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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
How can I tell if the liver is cooked properly?
The liver should be brown on the outside and slightly pink in the center. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture, so aim for a quick sear to keep it tender and juicy. If you're unsure, using a meat thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Can I use chicken liver instead of beef liver?
Yes, chicken liver can be used as a substitute, but it cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken liver has a milder flavor and is more delicate, so be careful not to overcook it to preserve its tenderness.
What can I do with the leftover onion broth?
The onion broth is perfect for making a simple gravy. Just add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it, and season to taste. It can also be used as a base for soups or stews, adding depth of flavor to your dishes.
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).