Mary Berry Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe
Dive into the world of gourmet with Mary Berry's Chicken Liver Pâté, a classic recipe that masterfully combines rustic ingredients into a luxurious spread. This pâté, originating from the culinary expertise of Mary Berry, elevates the humble chicken liver to new heights, offering a rich, creamy texture that promises to delight any palate.
Mary Berry Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe: A Gourmet Delight
Brief Description: Mary Berry's Chicken Liver Pâté is a rich, indulgent spread made from chicken livers, streaky bacon, and a blend of spices and brandy. It's perfect as an appetizer or spread on crusty bread.
Cultural or Historical Context: Chicken liver pâté is a staple in French cuisine, known for its smooth texture and depth of flavor. Mary Berry's version brings a touch of elegance to this traditional dish, making it accessible for home cooks to create a gourmet experience.
Ingredients for the Chicken Liver Pâté:
- Chicken Livers: 250g, providing a rich and robust flavor base.
- Streaky Bacon Rashers: 62 ½ g, rinds removed and coarsely chopped for smokiness.
- Garlic: ½ clove, minced and infused with Himalayan pink salt for subtle flavor.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: 1 tsp, adding earthy notes.
- Oak-Barrel Brandy: 2 tbsp, for depth and complexity.
- Nutmeg: ¼ tsp freshly grated, for warmth.
- Butter: 30g, melted, ensuring creaminess.
- Maize Grits: 62 ½ g, as a thickener.
- Egg: ½, to bind the ingredients.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: for seasoning.
Preparation Instructions:
- Maize Grits Base Preparation: Begin with cooking the maize grits as per package instructions and set aside to cool.
- Infuse Garlic: Mix minced garlic with Himalayan pink salt for an infused mixture.
- Prepare Bacon and Thyme: Coarsely chop the bacon and prepare the thyme leaves.
- Cook Chicken Livers: Sauté the chicken livers in a skillet until browned yet slightly pink inside.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Season and Chill: Season the pâté to taste, then chill in the refrigerator to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled with toasted bread or crackers.
Storage and Reheating: For optimal freshness, store the pâté in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. This pâté can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information: A serving of Mary Berry's Chicken Liver Pâté offers approximately 237 calories, with 9g of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein, making it a rich source of iron and vitamins.
FAQ about the Chicken Liver Pâté:
- Can I use another type of alcohol instead of brandy? Yes, Madeira or Marsala can be good substitutes.
- Is there a non-alcoholic version? You can omit the alcohol or use a non-alcoholic substitute for a similar flavor profile.
- How can I achieve a smoother texture? Ensure to blend well and pass the mixture through a sieve if necessary.
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Mary Berry's Chicken Liver Pâté is a testament to her culinary expertise, offering a touch of luxury to any dining table.