Traditional Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver Recipes

CLASSIC JEWISH CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER RECIPE

Steps:

• If Using a Grill for the Livers: Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over half of coal grate. Alternatively, set all the burners of a gas grill to high heat. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Proceed to step 3.
• If Using a Broiler for the Livers: Preheat broiler and move oven rack to highest position. Oil a slotted broiler pan, or a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet.
• Using a paring knife, clean livers well of any fat, green spots, or large veins. Season all over with kosher salt. If using a grill, grill livers over high heat, turning frequently, until they are very lightly charred in spots and only the last traces of pink remain in their centers. If using the broiler, arrange livers on the prepared broiler pan or wire rack and broil, turning frequently, until exteriors are well-browned and only the last traces of pink remain in the centers. (If you are unsure about whether the livers are done, cut them open to check.) Remove from oven or grill and set aside.
• Scrape minced liver and egg mixture into a mixing bowl. Scrape in cooked onion, along with all of the cooking fat. Add minced gribenes, if using. Stir until thoroughly combined, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
• Add as much extra schmaltz as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency. Exactly how much this is will depend on several variables, including your personal preference, though we recommend that chopped liver be spreadable and moist, not dry and crumbly.

JEWISH DELI-STYLE CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVERS

Steps:

• Prepare the Schmaltz as directed in the recipe. Rinse the livers and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a large saute pan set over meidum heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the Schmaltz and saute the livers until browned, turning once, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per side. They should be just barely pink inside. Don't overcook them or they will be dry. Transfer the livers to a cutting board to cool.
• Using the same pan, heat another 2 tablespoons of the Schmaltz and add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked onions and livers to the bowl of a food processor. Add the eggs, salt, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons of Schmaltz. Pulse 6 to 8 times, until coarsely chopped. Do not puree. Taste for seasoning and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
• Serve with toast, crackers, or mazto and cornichons.

MIRJ'S HEART-ATTACK-ON-A-PLATE CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER

Steps:

• Cook the livers until done in any way you prefer.
• I grill them under the broiler.
• Chop the onions medium-coarsely and fry in the oil until browned, but not burnt.
• You have to babysit the onions, constantly stirring, so they don't burn.
• This can take some time, pull up and chair with a good book, or do other things but keep an eye (and nose) out for the onions.
• With the steel knife, grind the livers in a food processor.
• Add the hard-boiled eggs and give it another whirl until they are incorporated with the liver.
• Add the onions and any extra oil from the bottom of the pot.
• Scrape every last bit of onion into the food processor bowl, this is where the major flavor comes from.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• You can also add any other spices that you like, but this detracts from the traditional flavor of Jewish chopped liver.
• Whirl everything around in the food processor until it reaches the consistency you want.
• Some people prefer it coarse, some like it very fine, almost pate-like.
• Scrape the chopped liver into a serving bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• Serve with crackers or challah.
• Try to avoid the temptation to just shovel it into your mouth with a spoon directly from the bowl.