Higado Encebollado (Beef Liver And Onions)
Are you looking for an easy beef liver recipe? Higado Encebollado is a simple dish that is both delicious and healthy. “Higado Encebollado” translates to beef liver with onions and you can make it in under 30 minutes. Making this dish the perfect weeknight meal.
This dish is a great source of protein and Vitamin A, and it’s low in calories too. So, if you are looking for a healthy and tasty meal, try this beef liver recipe!
Exploring the Historical Significance and Cultural Impact
Beef liver and onions have been a staple dish in many cultures throughout history, with roots tracing back to medieval Europe. The consumption of beef liver and onions was a convenient and economical source of protein, iron, and vital nutrients for individuals who could not afford pricier meat options.
During the 1950s and 60s, this dish gained popularity in the United States as diners and cafeterias nationwide frequently offered it.
What Are Beef Liver and Onions?
Beef liver, an organ meat from cattle, is known to be a nutrient-dense food. It contains protein, iron, vitamin A, and other crucial nutrients. Despite its distinctive taste and texture, it can be a scrumptious and wholesome complement to any meal.
Onions, a variety of vegetables, find utility in numerous cuisines globally. They possess a strong, slightly sweet flavor that varies depending on the type of onions used. Onions are also abundant in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious dietary inclusion.
How The Two Are Combined In The Dish
In beef liver and onions, the beef liver is sliced into thin pieces and sautéed in a skillet with sliced onions. The onions are cooked until they are caramelized and sweet, which helps to balance out the strong flavor of the liver. Usually, the dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and various other herbs and spices to augment its flavor.
Is Higado Encebollado Healthy?
Higado Encebollado is not only a culinary delight but also a health-conscious choice when it comes to preparing liver. Beef liver, in particular, offers an abundance of essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
One notable nutrient found in beef liver is copper, a vital component for energy production within the body.
Is It Better To Soak Liver In Milk Or Lemon Juice?
To reduce the flavor strength of the liver, you can soak it in whole milk. Milk will not only neutralize the flavor but will also neutralize the smell of the liver. In addition to this, milk also tenderizes the liver.
Alternatively, you can soak the liver in lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or plain vinegar. If you do end up using any of these liquids to soak your liver, use only 1/8 cup to ¼ cup; otherwise, the liver will soak up the taste of these liquids.
Milk is the preferred liquid if you want to neutralize the flavor and smell but keep the liver as natural as possible. Many recipes recommend slicing the liver thinly before soaking it for 30 minutes to an hour and a half.
Is Higado Encebollado Keto-Friendly
This recipe contains small amounts of sugar, which means it is not keto-friendly. However, you can easily use a sugar substitute such as Stevia or Erythritol to make it keto-friendly.
What To Serve With Higado Encebollado
Higado Encebollado is a very simple recipe, meaning you can serve many delicious side dishes. You can serve it with sautéed green beans, sautéed kale, grilled asparagus, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. You can also serve Higado Encebollado with a simple green salad or Sopa Fria de Coditos.
Higado Encebollado Ingredients
Liver– Beef Liver is the star of this show. It has a strong, robust, sweet, earthy flavor that any other type of meat cannot replicate.
Salt And pepper– I chose to keep the seasoning very simple for this recipe because I wanted the liver’s flavor to shine through. However, feel free to season the liver with your favorite seasonings.
Garlic Powder– Garlic powder adds a slightly garlicky flavor to the liver without overpowering its natural flavor.
Butter– Butter gives the liver a savory, salty, buttery, delicious flavor.
Sugar– Sugar tones down the robust flavor of the liver.
Bell Peppers– I used red bell peppers but feel free to use orange, yellow, or green bell peppers. The bell peppers add color, sweetness, and texture to the dish.
White Onion– White onion releases its aromatic flavor and infuses it into the liver.
White Wine– White wine deglazes the pan once the liver has seared and releases those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Beef Broth– Beef broth further intensifies the beefy flavor of the liver. It also prevents the liver from drying.
Side Dishes That Go Well With Higado Encebollado
Kenyan Kachumbari: Kachumbari is a Kenyan tomato and onion salad. It goes great with higado encebollado, adding texture and color to the plate.
Tunisian Grilled Salad: Tunisian grilled salad is a simple mix of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, onions, and peppers. It adds a crunchy texture to higado encebollado.
Kenyan Sukuma Wiki: Kenyan sukuma wiki is a popular side dish with cooked collard greens, tomatoes, and onions. It pairs well with higado encebollado as it provides an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the dish.
Coconut Rice: Coconut rice is a fragrant and slightly sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with higado encebollado. Cooked white rice is simmered in coconut milk with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon for an added layer of flavor.
Kenyan Githeri: Githeri is a traditional Kenyan dish made with corn and beans. Githeri pairs well with higado encebollado since the combination of sweet corn, savory beans, and tangy tomatoes complements the meaty flavors of the dish.
How To Store Higado Encebollado
You can easily store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure you store your Higado Encebollado at the back of the fridge so it stays cold. Use within 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Higado Encebollado
Reheating beef liver with onions is relatively simple. The easiest way to reheat the liver is by submerging it in boiling beef broth for 30-45 seconds. It may seem like a very short time, but it will be enough to warm the liver and heat it through without making it tough.
Drain the liver and onions and serve immediately. Once Higado Encebollado has been reheated, it cannot be stored or reheated again. The best way is only to reheat as many leftovers as you need at the time.
More Delicious Recipes
Nicaragua Arroz a la Valenciana
Chicken Liver with Tomato Sauce
Bistec Con Papas (Mexican Steak with Potatoes)
Higado Encebollado
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Liver
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Garlic clove
- 2 Tbsp Oil
- 2 red bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 3 large white onions, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 Tbsp granulated white sugar
- ½ Cup beef broth
Instructions
- Slice the liver into slices if desired. Season the liver with black pepper, salt, and garlic clove.
- Place the oil into a pot and set it over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the liver and cook it for 3-5 minutes per side until it has a rich brown color.
- Remove the seared liver from the pan and [place it onto a plate.
- Stir in the peppers and onions and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the liver to the pot and cook it covered for 5 minutes
- Add the beef broth and use the spoon to scrape the browned bits of food from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir frequently until the liver is tender.
- Serve with rice, avocado slices and tostones.
The most tastiest liver recipe have had in years .
My whole family loved this recipe! Will make it again soon!
Definitely trying to eat healthier and this recipe was great! The liver was flavorful and good!
Love this recipe, my family approved it. I served with bowl of rice.