This beef liver recipe, passed down from my grandmother, transforms a simple ingredient into a flavorful and tender dish that even those wary of liver will enjoy. By soaking the liver in milk and combining it with a rich mix of vegetables and rice, this meal becomes a delightful culinary experience. Here’s a detailed guide to creating this hearty dish.
Ingredients:
- Beef Liver and Marinade:
- 600 grams of beef liver
- 500 milliliters of milk
- Vegetable and Rice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 240 milliliters white rice
- 1.5 cups water
- For Frying the Liver:
- Cornmeal for coating
- Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Liver
- Slice and Soak:
- Begin by cutting the 600 grams of beef liver into thin strips.
- Place these slices in a large bowl and pour in 500 milliliters of milk. This soaking process, lasting at least 40 minutes, tenderizes the liver and reduces its strong flavor.
Cooking the Vegetables
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. Sauté these ingredients for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings:
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Preparing the Rice
- Cook the Rice:
- Add 240 milliliters (1 cup) of white rice to the skillet with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in 1.5 cups of water.
- Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
Frying the Liver
- Coat and Fry the Liver:
- While the rice is cooking, remove the liver slices from the milk and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Coat each slice thoroughly in cornmeal.
- In a separate skillet, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded liver slices and fry until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serving the Dish
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the liver slices are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the fried liver hot alongside the flavorful rice and vegetable mixture.
Tips for Best Results
- Tenderizing: Soaking the liver in milk is essential for tenderizing the meat and mellowing its flavor.
- Even Coating: Ensure the liver slices are evenly coated in cornmeal for a uniform crispy texture.
- Vegetable Mix: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or peas to the rice mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of chili flakes can give the dish a nice kick.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the vegetable mixture for a spicier version.
- Herbs: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic if you enjoy its strong flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe not only brings a unique and delightful taste to the table but also offers several nutritional benefits:
- Beef Liver: A rich source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like A, B12, and folic acid. It’s beneficial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
- Vegetables: The peppers, onions, and tomatoes add a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, which are important for overall health.
- Rice: Provides a good source of energy through its carbohydrate content, making it a filling and satisfying addition to the meal.
This traditional beef liver recipe, taught by my grandmother, brings out the best in liver with its tender texture and rich, flavorful combination of vegetables and rice. It’s a dish that transforms a humble ingredient into a family favorite. Try it at home and enjoy a taste of comforting, homemade goodness. With its blend of flavors and tender, crispy liver, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Thank you for sharing this recipe. See you next recipe. Bye!
