ELK LIVER WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND WINE GLAZE
Ingredients
G 450 (1 lb) liver cut in to 4 pieces
N 1 red onion thinly sliced
mL 250 (1 cup) red wine
G 115 (½ cup) sugar
G 5 (1 tsp) sugar
mL 30 (1 oz) brandy or cognac
N 1 tsp salt for brine
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Butter to taste
Herbs to taste
Preparation
- Add the portions of liver to a container and cover with cold water. Add the 1-teaspoon of salt to the water and liver. This will draw out excess blood from the liver and soften the gamey flavour. Soak overnight or for at least 3 h.
- Add the wine and sugar to a small pot and boil to reduce by 2/3rds until it resembles a sticky sauce. Remove the liver from the water and pat dry.
- Add the sliced onion to a small pot and sauté on high heat with a little oil and butter, cover with a lid and reduce to medium heat.
- Stir onions occasionally, when translucent in colour add the sugar and the brandy and reduce until almost dry. The onions should be soft and appear caramel in colour after 10-15’ cooking.
- Heat a large cast iron pan or heavy bottom frying pan on high heat. Add a little oil and season the liver with salt and pepper. Fry the liver in the oil and then add a little butter. Cook for 1-2’ per side.
- Remove and rest for 2-3’ before slicing. Garnish with the caramelized onion, wine glaze and fresh herbs.
Other
ChefMichael Hunter
Wine CouplingAmarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
Other Info In this recipe I used elk liver, but you can substitute deer, wild boar, antelope etc. Liver is packed with protein and nutrients, when cooked properly it is delicious. Liver must be eaten rare, medium rare or it will taste awful. Over cooked liver has a mealy texture and strong iron flavour. When cooked properly it tastes like a tender earthy steak that pairs wonderfully with a sweet sauce and caramelized onions. Kcal 416* *For every medium-low speed running activity (8Km/h), the AVERAGE calorie consumption is of approximately 8Kcal x Kg x height, considering an average female weight of 60 Kg and an average male weight of 80 Kg.
