This silky-smooth pâté is inexpensive and simple to make. The chicken livers are briefly simmered in water with aromatics before they’re blended with butter in a food processor. If you have the opportunity to choose, shop for paler chicken livers; they tend to have a mellower, rich flavor than deep-red ones.
Chicken Liver Pâté
Ingredients
1/2 lb. Chicken Livers, well-trimmed
1/2 Small Onion, thinly sliced
1 Small Garlic Clove, smashed and peeled
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 tsp. Thyme Leaves
Kosher Salt
1/2 c. Water
1 1/2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, at room temp
2 tsp. Cognac or Scotch Whisky
Freshly Ground Pepper
Toasted Baguette Slices, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken livers, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the livers are barely pink inside, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Discard the bay leaf. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the livers, onion, and garlic to a food processor; process until coarsely pureed. With the machine on, add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, until incorporated. Add the Cognac, season with salt and pepper and process until completely smooth. Scrape the pâté into 2 or 3 large ramekins. Press a piece or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pâté and refrigerate until firm. Serve chilled.
Notes
Make Ahead
The pâté can be covered with a thin layer of melted bitter, then wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.
Variation: you can add in 8 oz. of softened cream cheese for a smoother, creamier consistency. Our very own Faelan Baker recommended this when she makes her pâté.
Recipe is excerpted from Food & Wine website, attributed by Jacques Pépin.