Liver In Herbed Tomato Sauce
Liver In Herbed Tomato Sauce offers a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender beef liver with a savory tomato and herb sauce. The rich flavors are complemented by the aromatic herbs and mushrooms, making it a satisfying choice for those seeking a robust and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef liver ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp minced parsley ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp bacon fat or oil ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried sage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried mustard leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz) can chopped mushrooms, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the liver into 1-inch wide strips.
- Cover the liver with boiling water and then drain thoroughly.
- Mix flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a plastic bag.
- Add the liver pieces to the bag, a few at a time, and shake until coated.
- Set aside the coated liver pieces.
- In a skillet, heat the bacon fat or oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Add the coated liver pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried sage, thyme, oregano, and crumbled mustard leaves.
- Add the undrained chopped mushrooms and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until flavors meld and liver is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones, or experiment with adding a splash of red wine to the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the liver in milk for an hour before cooking. You can substitute bacon fat with olive oil or butter for a lighter option. Make sure to cook the liver just until it’s no longer pink for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the liver in herbed tomato sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side can complement the dish nicely. This recipe pairs beautifully with Easy Cheesy Spaghetti Bake for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Liver In Herbed Tomato Sauce contains roughly 417 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% 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
What can I use if I don't have beef liver?
If you can't find beef liver, you can substitute with chicken liver or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. However, the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly. Chicken liver cooks faster, while mushrooms will need more seasoning to enhance their flavor.
Can I freeze the liver dish?
Yes, you can freeze the liver in herbed tomato sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I know when the liver is cooked properly?
The liver should be cooked until it is no longer pink in the center, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. You can also use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
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).