Italian Liver
Italian Liver features tender sliced liver cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, and basil, offering rich, savory flavors perfect for a hearty, quick meal for liver lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet, in a scant 2 tablespoons of oil, start the onion cooking over low heat.
- Add the green pepper, seeded and sliced small, and cook until vegetables are soft.
- Peel tomatoes; squeeze out most of their seeds and juice, then cut into small pieces.
- Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil to the onion mixture and cook until vegetables are soft.
- Pat the sliced liver dry; thin it as needed and cut into strips about 1 1/2 inches long.
- Remove the skillet of vegetables from heat, but keep warm in their pan.
- In another skillet over high heat, saute the liver pieces, stirring and turning constantly so they don't stick, until they are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
- Dump the liver into the waiting skillet of warm onion, pepper, and tomato mixture.
- Return the skillet to heat for a minute to let flavors combine, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing liver, ensure it's patted dry to achieve a nice sear. If you're looking for a substitution, chicken liver works well in this recipe. Fresh herbs like oregano can replace dried basil for a more robust flavor. For a unique twist, consider adding capers or olives to the vegetable mixture. If you enjoy Italian cuisine, try pairing this dish with Italian Pea Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian liver over a bed of polenta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a hearty appetizer, consider serving it alongside Crostini for a delightful Italian-themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the liver. Serve remnants with fresh bread or on top of a salad for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Liver contains roughly 478 calories, with 26g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% 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
Can I use frozen liver for this recipe?
Yes, frozen liver is a suitable option. Just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking for even results. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a better texture when sautéing.
What can I serve with Italian liver?
This dish pairs excellently with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, offering a comforting base. Additionally, a fresh salad or roasted vegetables can complement the rich flavors of the liver, making for a well-rounded meal.
How do I know when the liver is cooked properly?
Liver cooks quickly; it should be slightly firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. Overcooking can result in a tough texture, so aim for about 3 minutes of sautéing. A slight blush in the center is acceptable for tenderness.
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).