Appetizer > French

Caramelized Onion and Bacon Liver Pâté Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb chicken liver, trimmed and cleaned
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Small saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove the onion from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chicken liver and cook over medium heat until browned on the outside and pink on the inside, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the brandy to the skillet and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
5. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked chicken liver, caramelized onion, bacon, heavy cream, unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
6. Transfer the pâté to a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the pâté from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
8. Transfer the pâté to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of pâté

Nutritional information:
Calories: 215 per serving
Fat: 16g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken liver can be substituted with beef or pork liver.
- Brandy can be substituted with cognac or whiskey.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with milk or half-and-half.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the pâté before serving.
- Substitute the bacon with prosciutto or pancetta.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions for a tangy flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to trim and clean the chicken liver before cooking.
- Cook the chicken liver until it is browned on the outside and pink on the inside to ensure it is cooked through.
- Let the pâté cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.

Storage instructions:
Store the pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pâté in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pâté on a platter with crackers or sliced baguette.

Garnishes:
Garnish the pâté with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Serve the pâté with a glass of red wine or a dry sherry.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the pâté with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pâté is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
- If the pâté is too thin, add more chicken liver or butter to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken liver until it is fully cooked through.
- Store the pâté in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days.

Food history:
Pâté originated in France and is traditionally made with liver, fat, and seasonings.

Flavor profiles:
The pâté has a rich and savory flavor with hints of caramelized onion and bacon.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pâté as an appetizer or snack.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Smoky, Sweet, Umami