As asparagus season ends, broad bean season begins. It’s rather neat, isn’t it? The little pale green nuggets work well enough quickly blanched and served with some shaved Parmesan, tarted up in a salad like this one, or pureed with mint, pine nuts and yet more Parmesan for a sort of late spring pesto. Stevie Parle does them with morcilla (Spanish black pudding) and smoked paprika; as good a broad bean dish as I’ve found. If feeling industrious it’s worth double-podding them – particularly later in the season when the leathery pods within can be quite tough.
Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a starter
500g broad beans
400g chicken livers
A handful of flat leaf parsley
Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
Half a clove of garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper
– Pod (or double pod if you can be arsed – I couldn’t) the beans and set aside. Cut the livers into chunks and trim the chicken livers of any bile and connective tissue and wash. Dry thoroughly.
– Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the beans. Simmer for 2 minutes, drain and run under a cold tap for a minute or so. Heat a little oil in a frying pan. Cut the livers into chunks and fry for a couple of minutes on each side, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
– Remove from pan to rest. Whisk together the mustard, honey and vinegar, then slowly add the oil. Finally whisk in the garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
– Serve the livers with the broad beans and parsley leaves, spoon over some dressing and grate over a little Parmesan.
PS. It could be argued that this would be better with a sharper vinegar like sherry. You could deglaze the pan with the vinegar, scraping up all the lovely little caramelized bits of liver, before pouring into a small mixing bowl and continuing with dressing as before. Your call. My sister is a slut for balsamic vinegar – in fact she licked her plate clean. Seriously.
We love chicken liver. This is a very interesting way to prepare it. I will definitely try this soon.
Thanks Tes, J
haven’t cooked chicken livers for ages- talked about cooking them for a while recently but this recipe looks like it could be the one…..thanks for the inspiration again.
You’re welcome, glad to hear I’ve inspired, J
That looks bloody delicious, with a big chunk of good bread to mop up the tasty juices. I’ve actually printed the recipe to take on holiday because I don’t think I can wait until I get back. How utterly delectable!
Oh that’s good to hear – where are you going? (And yes, bread a must) J
Sicily…so should *hopefully* be able to get all of the ingredients. Chicken livers, broad beans and parsley are some of my favourite things, so thank you for the recipe! Will let you know if it gets done. Must. Finish. Packing.
I’ve never been the hugest fan of liver but that looks delicious.
(My sister would beat me up if I ever called her a slut…)
She hasn’t read it yet; that might be my last ever post.
Sounds lovely – I *adore* broad beans – except for the parsley, which I can’t abide. What would you suggest as an alternative? Watercress maybe? Pea shoots?
Sorry for slow response Hugh…no parsley either? I really HATED parsley for ages and basically forced myself to eat it every day until I liked it, and it is now probably my favourite herb. But pea shoots spot on for this, J
There just aren’t enough enticing liver recipes around! This looks lovely for this weather though, can’t wait to try it… Do you have any ideas for doing something equally summery with lambs liver?
Funnily enough my Dad had lamb’s liver in a rezzy the other night, though it was with mash so not that summery. Peas and mint spring to mind as good, simple lamb’s liver accompaniments.
Definitely going to cook this tomorrow. Can’t wait! Btw I accidentally voted your recipe down. Soz. Those little thumbs come up tiny on an iPhone. Yours, Nibs 🙂
Meanie!
… Yes, this combines two of my favourite ingredients and it’s easy to make. I can see myself cooking this a lot lot lot!
Hello James. I just discovered your blog and I really enjoy all your recipes and ideas as well as your videos.
I will be coming back for more.
Great recipe by the way. Gimme chicken livers any time…
Thanks Magda, very kind, J
Hello,
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Thanks for your interest Vincent, will look at your website asap, J
This recipe has haunted me ever since I read the post. At long last the moment is ripe. Here goes…
…Just eaten the last spoonful: exquisite.
Oh good! x