Jewish-Style Chicken Liver Pâté
A rich and flavorful chicken liver pâté, often referred to as 'chopped liver' in Jewish households. This classic dish is smooth, savory, and perfect served with crackers, pickles, or on rye bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken livers(kosher, cooked)
- 1 medium Large sweet onion(finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic(crushed)
- 0.33 cup Margarine or rendered chicken fat (schmaltz)(softened)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 4 large Hard-boiled eggs(reserve 1 for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Cognac or Madeira(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet over low heat, melt the margarine or chicken fat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt as they wilt.
💡 Tip: Cooking the onions slowly caramelizes them, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. - 2
Add the chicken livers: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cooked chicken livers to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until lightly browned but still slightly pink inside. If using cognac or Madeira, add it now and let it bubble for a minute.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the livers, as this will make the pâté tough. - 3
Process the mixture: Transfer the contents of the skillet (onions, garlic, livers, and any pan juices) to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add 3 of the hard-boiled eggs. Process until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or more fat.
💡 Tip: For an ultra-smooth pâté, process for several minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. - 4
Chill the pâté: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer the pâté to a decorative serving bowl or mold. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pâté to prevent oxidation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Tip: Chilling is crucial for the flavors to develop and the texture to set. - 5
Serve: Before serving, let the pâté sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly. Garnish with the reserved chopped hard-boiled egg. Serve with crackers, rye bread, or pickles.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you are starting with raw chicken livers, you will need to cook them first (broil or pan-fry) before proceeding with the recipe.
- ✓Rendered chicken fat (schmaltz) adds a traditional depth of flavor, but unsalted butter or a neutral oil can be used as a substitute.
- ✓The optional cognac or Madeira adds a subtle complexity to the flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of finely chopped chives or parsley to the pâté for a fresh herbaceous note.
- For a slightly different texture, you can leave some of the onions slightly chunky.