Description
Luxurious French Chicken Liver Pâté blends rich, silky textures with classic Parisian culinary elegance. Smooth spreadable perfection invites you to savor each delicate bite of this traditional delicacy that whispers gourmet comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 0.5 pound (226 grams) chicken livers, well-trimmed
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 0.25 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to season
- Freshly ground black pepper
Aromatic and Supplementary Ingredients:
- 0.5 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small garlic clove, smashed and peeled
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) water
- 1.5 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Cognac or Scotch whisky
- Toasted baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Combine chicken livers, aromatic vegetables, and herbs in a saucepan, creating a flavorful base for the pate.
- Pour water into the pan, gently simmer at low heat for 3 minutes with a tight-fitting lid, allowing ingredients to cook delicately.
- Remove from heat, let the mixture rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and optimal tenderness.
- Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf, preserving the remaining ingredients.
- Transfer the cooked solids to a food processor, preparing for blending.
- Pulse the mixture initially to create a chunky texture, breaking down the liver and aromatics.
- Gradually incorporate cold butter while processing, transforming the mixture into a silky, smooth consistency.
- Splash in Cognac and sprinkle freshly ground pepper, blending briefly to integrate these final flavor enhancers.
- Elegantly spoon the pate into individual ramekins, ensuring even distribution.
- Seal with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for several hours until the pate sets firmly.
- Serve chilled as an elegant appetizer, accompanied by crisp toast or crackers.
Notes
- Liver Quality Matters: Choose fresh, bright-colored chicken livers from a reputable butcher for the best flavor and texture.
- Smooth Texture Secret: Strain the pate through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-creamy, silky consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut cream for dairy-free and vegan alternatives that maintain rich, luxurious taste.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Pate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, developing deeper flavors as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 384 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg