Beef liver is one of those dishes that is often overlooked, but when prepared the right way, it becomes a true delicacy. With its rich flavor, tenderness, and nutrient content, liver is an excellent choice for a hearty meal, and when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it creates the perfect dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it ideal for family lunches or dinners. In this recipe, we’ll cook the liver to create a rich sauce and serve it with smooth, flavorful mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
For the beef liver:
- 500 g beef liver
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons lard or oil (for frying)
- 100 ml red wine (optional, for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the beef liver: First, wash the liver well and cut it into thin slices, removing any connective tissue or veins. It is recommended to slice the liver into strips about 1 cm thick for quick and even frying.Heat the lard or oil in a large pan. Once the oil is hot, add finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté them over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant. The onion and garlic will enhance the richness of the dish.Next, add the sliced liver to the pan and fry it on all sides until it turns golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). This will ensure that the liver is cooked properly and retains its juiciness. It is important not to overcook the liver, as it will become tough.Season the liver with salt, pepper, and oregano. If you like a stronger flavor, you can add a teaspoon of mustard for an extra kick.Once the liver is cooked, sprinkle it with flour and mix well to create a light sauce. If desired, you can add 100 ml of red wine, which will deepen the flavor of the sauce. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the wine evaporates and the sauce thickens. If you’re not using wine, simply add a little water to make the sauce, and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Potatoes are the base of this dish and should be prepared carefully to ensure they are creamy and flavorful. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Place them in a pot with cold water and cook over medium heat until they are soft, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the hot potatoes to help it melt faster. Then, mash the potatoes with a fork or a mixer until they become smooth and creamy.If needed, you can add more milk or butter to achieve the desired consistency. The mashed potatoes should be rich, creamy, and free of lumps.
3. Serve: On a plate, start by placing a serving of creamy mashed potatoes. Then, carefully top it with the fried beef liver and sauce. The combination of creamy potatoes and tender liver creates a perfect balance of flavors. If desired, you can garnish with some fresh parsley or thyme for extra aroma and decoration.This dish goes wonderfully with a light salad, such as a fresh green salad or a tomato salad, which will offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meat and potatoes. A glass of red wine also pairs well with this meal, especially if you used wine in the sauce.
Tips:
- If you want the liver to be more tender, you can marinate it in a little milk or lemon juice before cooking, which will soften it and make it juicier.
- The liver cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. Overcooked liver can become tough and lose its tenderness.
- You can enrich the mashed potatoes by adding some sour cream or cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- If you don’t want to use wine in the sauce, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
Beef liver with mashed potatoes is a rich, nourishing, and very tasty dish. Combined with creamy mashed potatoes, this meal will satisfy any meat lover and make for an excellent choice for family gatherings or dinners. Its simple preparation and basic ingredients make it an easy go-to for any day, while the rich flavor will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy this easy yet delicious meal!
