Best 13 Simple Chopped Liver Recipes

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**Chopped liver**, a delectable spread or appetizer, is a classic dish rooted in Jewish culinary traditions. This flavorful dish is crafted from a combination of chicken livers, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and a medley of seasonings. Its creamy, rich texture and savory taste make it a beloved dish at gatherings, often served with crackers, rye bread, or matzo. In this article, we present a collection of chopped liver recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the classic recipe that stays true to its origins to variations that incorporate unique ingredients and cooking techniques, these recipes offer a culinary journey through the realm of chopped liver. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, our carefully curated recipes will guide you in creating an unforgettable chopped liver experience.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC JEWISH CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER RECIPE



Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver Recipe image

With just chicken liver, hard-boiled eggs, onion, and fat, a world-class spread can be yours. This chopped liver recipe helps you get the result you want, whether it's more savory or more sweet.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres     Sides     Snacks

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound (454g) chicken livers
Kosher salt
1/4 cup (60ml) schmaltz , plus more as needed (see note)
1 large (8-ounce; 225g) yellow onion, finely minced
3 large hard-boiled eggs , peeled
1/4 cup gribenes (browned, crispy bits of fat and onion left over from making schmaltz), finely minced (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
Additional minced gribenes and hard-boiled egg, for garnish (optional)
Matzo or other crackers, for serving

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 118 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 200 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 136 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 7 g, ServingSize Makes about 1 quart, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

MILE END CHOPPED LIVER



Mile End Chopped Liver image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 16 servings as appetizer

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 cups of chopped onions
1 cup schmaltz (rendered chicken fat)
2 pounds chicken livers
1 sprig of fresh thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
2 1/2 teaspoons of quatre-epices (equal parts white peppercorns, ginger, cloves and cinnamon, ground together in a coffee or spice blender)
2 1/2 teaspoons of quatre-epices (equal parts white peppercorns, ginger, cloves and cinnamon, ground together in a coffee or spice blender)
9 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 to 7 scallions sliced into thin rings
6 teaspoons kosher salt
2 to 3 large pinches of pepper
Pickled shallots
Minced chives
Rendered chicken skin pieces
Sieved egg (a peeled hard-boiled egg pressed through the coarse holes of a box grate or zester)

Steps:

  • Fry the onions in schmaltz, add the chicken livers, thyme and bay leaves and cook for 10 minutes, then let the mixture cool. Add the quatre-epices and eggs to the livers. Place the mixture in a food processor and process to a coarse consistency. Stir in the scallions and season with the salt and pepper.
  • Decant the chopped liver into a serving bowl and garnish with shallots, minced chives, rendered chicken skin pieces and grated hard-boiled egg.

CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVERS



Chopped Chicken Livers image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound chicken livers, (preferably fresh)
6 tablespoon rendered chicken fat (schmaltz), recipe follows
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
Freshly ground pepper
2 hard-cooked large eggs, finely chopped
8 ounces chicken fat and/or skin, cut into small pieces
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

  • Rinse the livers and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Clean the livers, by trimming and discarding any visible fat, green parts, or membrane. Set the livers aside.
  • In a large saute pan, over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the chicken fat and add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate with a slotted spoon. Wipe out the pan.
  • Spread the livers out in a single layer on a sheet pan and season with the salt and pepper. Raise the heat to high, add 2 tablespoons of the fat to the pan and when the fat begins to shimmer, lay the livers in the pan in a single layer. Working in batches, cook the livers turning each over once, until browned, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer the livers to the plate with the onions. Repeat with 2 tablespoons fat and remaining livers. Cool.
  • Coarsely chop the livers with a knife (don't be tempted to use a food processor). In a medium bowl, gently combine the livers with the eggs, onions, and remaining 2 tablespoons fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Serve with toast and cornichons if desired.
  • Serving suggestion: Toasted rye or pumpernickel bread and cornichons .
  • In a small saucepan combine the chicken fat or skin, thyme, garlic, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low to medium heat. Cook until the fat has rendered (liquefied) and the skin becomes crispy, about 35 to 45 minutes. (Adjust the heat, as needed, to keep the skin from browning too quickly.) Set the chicken fat aside to cool slightly. Strain into a small bowl. If desired reserve the crispy skin. Refrigerate, covered, for up to one week.
  • Yields: about 1/2 cup

CHOPPED LIVER



Chopped Liver image

Provided by Ruth Joseph

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Food Processor     Chicken     Egg     Appetizer     Chill     Advance Prep Required     Sugar Conscious     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 6–8

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 organic free-range eggs
1 lb chicken livers, trimmed (remove any green spots carefully)
2 large onions, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (or 1 tablespoon schmaltz, see below)
a few gribenes (optional), see below
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Kiddush wine, brandy or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a little paprika, to garnish

Steps:

  • Hard-boil the eggs for 10 minutes, drain, and set aside to cool. In a large frying pan, gently cook the onions in the oil (or schmaltz) until soft and golden. Increase the heat, add the livers, and stir for a few seconds so that they absorb the flavor of the onion. Either pour the mixture into a food processor and process to a coarse or smooth paste with the gribenes (if using), or pass the mixture through an old-fashioned grinder. Scoop into a bowl. Grate the eggs on the coarse side of a grater and add to the bowl, reserving a little of the grated egg for the garnish. Stir in the parsley and fold in gently. Moisten the mixture with some wine, brandy, or chicken stock, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until needed. Serve in scoops on individual plates topped with a little grated egg and paprika for color, and generous pieces of fresh Friday-night challah.
  • To make gribenes and schmaltz
  • Remove the spare fat from a raw chicken and place in a pan. (There is usually a lump of fat around the neck, in an older bird at least.) Add 1 cup (8 oz) dairy-free margarine, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 large onion (with the skin left on to enhance the golden color). Remove the skin from the chicken, cut into smallish pieces, and add to the pan. Set over very low heat and cook for 1 1/2-2 hours until all of the fat has been rendered gently out of the chicken skin. Remove the skin from the pan and drain on paper towels to form gribenes or crackling. Pour the fat (schmaltz) into a heavy-duty glass dish and store in the fridge until needed*. As the fat cools, a rich jelly will collect at the bottom of the dish. This jelly forms a delicious base for soup or sauces.
  • The fat (schmaltz) will keep for up to 6 weeks in the fridge. Store the gribenes in the fridge.

CHOPPED LIVER



Chopped Liver image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 5 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds chicken livers
1 cup rendered chicken fat
2 cups medium-diced yellow onion (2 onions)
1/3 cup Madeira wine
4 extra-large eggs, hard-cooked, peeled, and chunked
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Drain the livers and saute them in 2 batches in 2 tablespoons of the chicken fat over medium-high heat, turning once, for about 5 minutes, or until just barely pink inside. Don't overcook the livers or they will be dry. Transfer them to a large bowl.
  • In the same pan, saute the onions in 3 tablespoons of the chicken fat over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until browned. Add the Madeira and deglaze the pan, scraping the sides, for about 15 seconds. Pour into the bowl with the livers.
  • Add the eggs, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and the remaining chicken fat to the bowl. Toss quickly to combine. Transfer half the mixture to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse 6 to 8 times, until coarsely chopped. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Season, to taste, and chill. Serve on crackers or matzo.

CHOPPED LIVER



Chopped Liver image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

5 tablespoons rendered chicken fat (following recipe)
2 cups sliced onions
1 pound chicken livers
3 hard-cooked eggs
Cracklings left from rendering chicken fat (following recipe)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Melt all but one tablespoon of the chicken fat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the onions and saute over medium-low heat until they are golden and just beginning to brown around the edges. Stir the onions frequently so they will cook evenly. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside in a dish, draining as much of the fat as possible back into the pan.
  • Trim the chicken livers of any connective tissue or membranes and pat them dry with paper towels. Saute the livers in the fat left in the pan over medium heat until they are lightly browned on the outside and no longer pink in the middle. Remove from heat.
  • Combine the livers, including all the pan drippings, with the onions, hard-cooked eggs and cracklings (if you are using them) in a bowl. Finely chop all the ingredients either by hand, by putting them through a meat grinder or by placing them in a food processor and pulsing them briefly to a medium-coarse texture.
  • Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper and add the remaining tablespoon of chicken fat. Cover and serve within two hours or refrigerate but allow to come to room temperature before serving.

CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER



Chopped Chicken Liver image

My secret ingredient for delicious chopped chicken livers is baharat, a Turkish blend of warm, sweet spices that work particularly well with offal.

Provided by Michael Solomonov

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound chicken livers
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baharat, Middle Eastern spice blend
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 red onion
1/2 cup sherry vinegar
2 large eggs, hard-boiled
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Rye toast
1 large egg, hard-boiled, thinly sliced
dill
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Remove the membrane from the livers. Cure them overnight with the salt and baharat. The next day, place livers in a pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and broil until the livers are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 15 minutes. While the livers are roasting, slice the onion, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and add a large pinch of salt. Cook over low heat in a pan until very caramelized, about 1 hour.
  • When onions are soft, deeply brown, and caramelized, add sherry vinegar and reduce to dry.
  • Add livers, caramelized onions, halved hard-boiled eggs, and a pinch of salt to a food processor and purée to desired consistency. Serve on rye toast, garnished with hard-boiled egg, raw onion, and dill.

NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER



Not Your Grandma's Chopped Chicken Liver image

After working this recipe for years, it's finally ready to share. Suspect even those who don't enjoy liver might change their minds after tasting this on homemade crackers, toast, or bagels. I like it for light summer lunches or as an appetizer. The reduced bourbon/vermouth deglazing step adds an adult zing that rocks my world. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs or cucumber slices.

Provided by Anonymous

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Pate Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, halved and sliced
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pound chicken livers - rinsed, trimmed, and patted dry
2 fluid ounces bourbon
3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
1 teaspoon ground thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add sugar, stir, and saute until onions are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes more. Transfer onions to a food processor, leaving as much butter in the pan as you can.
  • Fry livers in the hot butter until lightly browned on 1 side, about 4 minutes. Turn and continue frying until slightly pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes more. Add livers to the food processor with the onions.
  • Pour bourbon into the same skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Boil until thickened and reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Pour liquid into the food processor.
  • Combine eggs, thyme, salt, and pepper in the food processor with the liver mixture. Process until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 79.9 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 147.9 mg, Fat 4.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 113.9 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

MOCK CHOPPED LIVER



Mock Chopped Liver image

Mock chopped liver in this recipe is made out of lentils. This dish tastes just like the real thing without the cholesterol of real liver! Serve mounded on a platter with crackers.

Provided by MDHEARST

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Pate Recipes

Time 2h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups water
1 cup lentils
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup walnuts
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place water, lentils, and bouillon cubes in a pot. Cover pot and cook about 30 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
  • Heat oil in skillet, saute onion until it becomes translucent.
  • In an electric food processor, grind lentils, onions and walnuts until your desired consistency for the pate is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 21.4 g, Fiber 7.8 g, Protein 17.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 581.4 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

GRANDMA'S CHOPPED LIVER



Grandma's Chopped Liver image

Provided by Helene Cypress

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Food Processor     Chicken     Egg     Onion     Appetizer     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Chill     Gourmet     New York     Sugar Conscious     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes about 3 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 hard-boiled large eggs, chilled
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 lb chicken livers
2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Pulse eggs in a food processor until coarsely chopped and transfer to a large bowl, then chill, covered, until ready to use.
  • Cook onion and garlic in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden, about 20 minutes.
  • While onion cooks, trim and rinse livers and pat dry. (Halve any large pieces.) Add livers to onion and increase heat to moderately high, then sauté, stirring occasionally, until livers are just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes (they should not be pink in center). Transfer mixture (including oil) to a shallow plate and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
  • Pulse liver mixture in food processor until coarsely puréed, then stir into eggs, along with salt and pepper, until combined. Chill, covered, at least 1 hour, then season with more salt just before serving.

RUSS & DAUGHTERS' CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER



Russ & Daughters' Chopped Chicken Liver image

Provided by Jason Epstein

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound fresh chicken livers (about 16 livers)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (schmaltz, rendered chicken fat, is available from your butcher, and can be used as a substitute at your own risk)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 large Spanish onions (1 pound each), peeled and chopped
3 large hard-cooked eggs, chilled
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Drain chicken livers, rinse and pat dry. Remove any connective tissue. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the livers until they are firm and slightly pink in the center, about 5 minutes. (Do not overcook.) Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate to cool.
  • In a clean, large skillet, melt the shortening over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté until onions are caramelized, 30 to 40 minutes, reducing heat to low as the onions soften.
  • When the onions are ready, coarsely chop the livers in a food processor and place in a bowl (or chop livers with an old-fashioned manual chopper in a wooden bowl). Peel the eggs and mash with a fork in a bowl. Add to the livers. Add the onions and mix well, stirring in just enough of their cooking juices to moisten the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cover the chopped liver and let mellow in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 188, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CHOPPED LIVER ON MATZO



Chopped Liver on Matzo image

I'm just guessing here, but I feel like "chopped liver" will never be my most popular recipe. I do love to eat it, and for those who feel the same way, "Hello, nice to meet you!" It's not much to look at, but at least one of you will become a fan after spreading this funky, savory mixture onto a salted matzo with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon juice. (I'm hoping that person is you.) It won't keep very long (it's best within 24 hours), but that's why this version makes the perfect snackable amount.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     poultry, appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings (about 1 cup)

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons chicken fat or unsalted butter, melted
6 ounces chicken livers, rinsed and trimmed of any fat
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large shallots (about 6 ounces), thinly sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry
Flaky sea salt
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley
Matzo, for serving
1 lemon, halved, for squeezing

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons chicken fat in a medium skillet over high heat. Add chicken livers, spacing them out so they brown instead of steam, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, without disturbing, until browned on one side, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Using tongs or a spatula, flip livers until browned on the other side, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer livers to a plate.
  • Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons chicken fat, along with the sliced shallots. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until the shallots are deeply browned and completely tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced almost completely (shallots will look very jammy), 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Finely chop livers and shallots and combine in a medium bowl along with remaining 2 tablespoons fat. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a small bowl or serving vessel and top with flaky salt and parsley. Serve with matzo and lemon for squeezing over.

CHOPPED LIVER



Chopped Liver image

This chopped liver recipe from Josh Russ Tupper of Russ and Daughters is used to make his popular Oy Vey Schmear sandwich.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Yield Makes about 3 pounds

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/3 cup rendered and strained chicken schmaltz
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup Josh Russ Tupper's Caramelized Onions
2 1/2 pounds raw chicken livers, gall bladder removed, lobes cut in half, or quarters if large
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 hard-boiled large eggs, peeled and chopped

Steps:

  • Rinse livers under cold water to remove blood; drain. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add schmaltz and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add caramelized onions. Cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Add livers to skillet and season with salt. Cook, stirring, until livers begin to brown and insides are pink throughout, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer livers to a plate to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring, until golden brown; remove from heat and set sauteed onions aside.
  • Place cooled livers and caramelized onions in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until well combined. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in hard-boiled eggs, sauteed onions; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before using.

Tips:

  • Choose the freshest chicken livers possible. This will ensure that your chopped liver is flavorful and delicious.
  • Soak the chicken livers in milk for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to remove any bitterness from the livers.
  • Cook the chicken livers until they are just cooked through. Overcooking will make them tough and dry.
  • Use a food processor to chop the chicken livers. This will give you a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Add your favorite seasonings and ingredients to the chopped liver. Some popular options include hard-boiled eggs, onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Chill the chopped liver for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help to firm it up and make it easier to spread.

Conclusion:

Chopped liver is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or a sandwich spread. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give chopped liver a try.

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