We’ve always been fans of hearty, flavorful dishes like Higado A La Italiana, a classic Italian-style liver recipe that brings the rustic charm of Italy to your kitchen. This savory treat combines tender liver with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, offering a perfect balance of rich tastes and textures that make it a standout meal.
As we explore global cuisines, we love how this recipe highlights Italy’s emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients. It’s an easy way to add a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table, whether you’re a liver enthusiast or trying it for the first time.
Ingredients
We believe that the heart of Higado A La Italiana lies in its fresh, simple ingredients, which capture the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with tender liver, aromatic herbs, and vibrant tomatoes. To prepare this flavorful dish, we source and prepare the following ingredients in the order they are used, ensuring each one enhances the rich, savory profile.
- Liver: 500g of calf’s liver, sliced thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, used first for sautéing to infuse the dish with authentic Mediterranean essence.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped, added next to build a sweet, aromatic base.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced, incorporated soon after to release its pungent, irresistible aroma.
- Tomatoes: 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced, introduced to add juicy brightness and a touch of acidity.
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage and rosemary, stirred in to deliver earthy, fragrant notes that evoke Italy’s countryside.
- White Wine: 1/2 cup of dry white wine, poured in to deglaze and deepen the flavors with a subtle tang.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoned at the end for balance, highlighting the dish’s natural tastes without overwhelming them.
Equipment Needed
As we transition from gathering our fresh ingredients for Higado A La Italiana, selecting the right equipment ensures a seamless and authentic preparation process. We rely on these essential tools to handle the slicing, stirring, and cooking that bring out the dish’s rich, savory flavors.
- Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for thinly slicing the calf’s liver and finely chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes to achieve the precise cuts that enhance texture and flavor integration.
- Sturdy cutting board: Provides a stable, safe surface for all our prep work, preventing slips and allowing us to work efficiently with herbs like sage and rosemary.
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing the liver and vegetables over medium heat, ensuring even cooking that locks in the aromatic essence of this Italian-style dish.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently, helping us blend the olive oil, wine, and herbs without damaging the tender liver.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring items like olive oil and white wine, guaranteeing the balance of flavors that defines Higado A La Italiana’s Mediterranean charm.
Directions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our flavorful Higado A La Italiana, ensuring each layer of taste builds perfectly.
Prep
Before cooking, we prepare our ingredients to maximize their flavors and textures. Start by rinsing 500g of thinly sliced calf’s liver under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this ensures the liver sears beautifully without becoming tough. Next, finely chop 1 large onion and mince 3 garlic cloves for a pungent base that forms the heart of the dish. Dice 4 ripe tomatoes into even pieces to release their juicy sweetness, and roughly chop 2 tablespoons of fresh sage and rosemary to infuse aromatic, earthy notes. Measure out 1/2 cup of dry white wine, along with salt and pepper to taste, arranging everything nearby for a smooth workflow.
Cook
With ingredients prepped, we move to the stovetop to build the dish’s rich, savory profile. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring gently with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Add the sliced calf’s liver to the pan, searing it for 1-2 minutes per side until it browns lightly and releases its juices, creating a caramelized crust that locks in tenderness. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped sage, and rosemary, followed by the dry white wine, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the herbs release their vibrant, Mediterranean essence, blending into a hearty, aromatic stew. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfect balance of tender liver and zesty tomatoes.
Serve
To present our Higado A La Italiana, we plate the cooked liver and sauce on warm dishes, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and fragrance that elevates the rustic appeal. Serve immediately with crusty bread or polenta to soak up the flavorful juices, allowing the tender, herb-infused liver to shine alongside the tangy tomatoes, creating a satisfying meal that transports you to Italy’s countryside.
Conclusion
We’ve explored Higado A La Italiana as a delightful way to embrace Italian flavors right in our kitchens. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to our tables.
By trying this recipe, we’re not just cooking—we’re creating memorable meals that highlight fresh ingredients and bold tastes. Let’s make it a staple in our routine for an authentic culinary adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Higado A La Italiana?
Higado A La Italiana is a traditional Italian-style liver dish that highlights rustic Italian flavors. It combines tender calf’s liver with aromatic herbs, tomatoes, and wine for a rich, savory meal. This recipe embodies Italy’s love for fresh, simple ingredients, making it an easy way to enjoy Mediterranean tastes, whether you’re new to liver or a fan.
What ingredients are needed for Higado A La Italiana?
You’ll need 500g of thinly sliced calf’s liver, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 large chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 diced ripe tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of fresh sage and rosemary, and 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Season with salt and pepper. These ingredients create a flavorful, authentic dish by blending herbs and tomatoes for a hearty profile.
How do I prepare Higado A La Italiana?
Start by rinsing and slicing the liver. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, then sear the liver. Add tomatoes, herbs, and wine; simmer until the mixture thickens into a stew. This process takes about 20-30 minutes and ensures the flavors meld perfectly for a delicious result.
What equipment is required to make Higado A La Italiana?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife for slicing, a sturdy cutting board for prep, a large skillet for cooking, a wooden spoon for stirring, and measuring cups for accuracy. These tools help achieve even cooking and maintain the dish’s authentic Mediterranean charm without complications.
Is Higado A La Italiana healthy?
Yes, it’s nutritious, featuring lean protein from liver, antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil. However, liver is high in iron and vitamins, so enjoy in moderation if you’re watching cholesterol. This simple recipe promotes fresh ingredients for a balanced meal.
How should I serve Higado A La Italiana?
Serve hot, garnished with fresh rosemary, alongside crusty bread or polenta to soak up the juices. It’s perfect as a main course for 2-4 people. Pair with a light wine to enhance the flavors, making it an inviting addition to any Mediterranean-inspired dinner.