Savory, tender chicken livers simmered with sweet onions, fragrant Middle Eastern spices, and extra-virgin olive oil.
A comforting, traditional-style dish that’s rich in flavor, wonderfully aromatic, and perfect for scooping up with warm pita bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 containers (16 ounces each) organic chicken liver, 32 ounces total @wholefoods
- Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
- 5 small onions or 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon seven-spice blend
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Ice water, for the ice bath
Instructions
1. Clean the chicken liver
Rinse the chicken livers under cold running water and drain well.
2. Parboil the liver
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Carefully add the chicken livers, cover, and cook for 7 minutes.
Remove the livers and immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 2 minutes. Drain, then rinse briefly under cold running water to remove any remaining debris. Drain well.
3. Sauté the onions
Pour enough extra-virgin olive oil into a 12-inch frying pan to generously coat the bottom. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
4. Add the chicken liver
Add the drained chicken livers to the onions and stir gently to coat them in the olive oil.
Add more olive oil as needed. The liver absorbs the oil, and the goal is to create a rich, flavorful, saucy consistency.
5. Season with Middle Eastern spices
Add the seven-spice blend, black pepper, ground cardamom, and salt to taste. Stir gently to distribute the spices evenly.
Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, or until the liver is thoroughly cooked to 165°F (74°C).
6. Add the chili and parsley
If using, add the sliced chili pepper and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove from the heat and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley.
How to Serve
Serve hot with warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful olive oil and spices. It also pairs beautifully with fresh tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, pickled vegetables, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Sahtain! (صحتين) — May it bring you health and enjoyment!
A Few Tips for the Best Flavor
- Don’t skimp on the onions. They add sweetness and balance the richness of the liver.
- Keep it saucy. Add olive oil gradually until you achieve the consistency you love.
- Adjust the heat. Use a mild chili for gentle warmth or omit it entirely.
- Serve immediately. Chicken liver is best enjoyed hot, while the onions are tender and the olive oil is fragrant.