Liver

About

Liver has a recognizable flavor across animal species, though its intensity and tenderness depend partly on the animal's age, which is why calf's and lamb's liver are generally preferred over ox liver. A well-raised, grass-fed cow typically produces better-tasting liver than a poorly kept, antibiotic-treated calf. Because the liver filters toxins from the body, an animal that has experienced significant stress will have processed more compounds that can negatively affect the liver's eating quality.

Pairs well with liver

• SuGarlicChicken liver cooked with garlic, brandy and thyme has an aroma every bit as assertive as egg -- strong enough that leftovers packed into…
• FrAppleLiver's characteristic flavor comes largely from blood, the same element that makes apple such a good match for blood sausage, which is…
• MeBeefTraditional beef Wellington is fillet steak coated in pâté de foie gras and shaved truffle, then wrapped in puff pastry.
• BrBaconLiver is naturally low in fat, which bacon supplies: the bacon is fried crisp first, then the liver cooked briefly in the rendered fat.
• GrChiliLiver's strong iron flavor suits assertive partners.
• SuOnionOnion's sweetness offsets liver's bitter, savory flavor in dishes across many cuisines: Poland fries breadcrumbed pig's liver strips over…
• MaOily FishRed mullet liver, sometimes called the "woodcock of the sea" for how highly it's prized, may be served as a pâté or pounded into a sauce,…
• EaBeetChef Fergus Henderson notes that venison liver, though expected to taste strongly of iron, is actually sweet and delicate, and recommends…
• SuTruffleFoie gras with black truffle is a rich, showy classic.
• FfFigThe ancient Roman precursor to foie gras, iecur ficatum, was named for the figs used to fatten the birds -- the root of "liver" in…
• BeSageLiver and sage is a well-established pairing: liver draws out sage's fresh pine and cedar notes, while the two share a faintly savory,…
• MeBlack PuddingGrilled black pudding with foie gras-the foie gras sandwiched between two slices of black pudding, topped with caramelized apple and…