Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait is a rich and smooth pâté made from chicken livers, offering a deliciously creamy texture and a delicate flavor. This classic dish is perfect as an appetizer or for spreading on toast or crackers at dinner parties. With its silky consistency and a hint of spice, it’s a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Liver Parfait?
Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait is a smooth, rich pâté made by blending sautéed chicken livers with butter, shallots, garlic, and herbs, then strained to create a creamy and indulgent spread. Often served with crusty bread or crackers, this parfait has a sophisticated flavor, making it a popular choice for entertaining. The addition of wine or brandy adds depth and complexity to the dish.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Luxurious and rich: The silky smooth texture and flavor make it a gourmet treat.
- Perfect for entertaining: An elegant appetizer for special occasions or dinner parties.
- Easy to prepare: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is straightforward and quick to make.
- Versatile serving options: Serve with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
- Great for make-ahead: Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for later use.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- 300g (10 oz) chicken livers – the star of the dish, cleaned and trimmed.
- 150g (5 oz) unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy base.
- 2 shallots – finely chopped for sweetness and flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves – add an earthy herbal note.
- 75ml (2.5 fl oz) brandy or white wine – adds depth and richness.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Extra butter – melted, for sealing the parfait.
Equipment
- Large frying pan – to cook the livers and vegetables.
- Blender or food processor – for blending the parfait to a smooth consistency.
- Sieve – to strain the mixture for a silky texture.
- Serving dish or ramekins – to store and serve the parfait.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
Step 1: Prepare the chicken livers
- Clean and trim the chicken livers, removing any sinew or discolored parts. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the shallots and garlic
- In a large frying pan, melt 50g of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the chicken livers
- Add the chicken livers to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Add the thyme leaves and pour in the brandy or white wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the parfait
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the chicken liver mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then gradually add the remaining butter while blending to create a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Strain the mixture
- Pass the liver mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl to ensure a silky texture. This step is key to achieving the parfait’s smoothness.
Step 6: Chill the parfait
- Pour the parfait mixture into a serving dish or individual ramekins. Melt a little extra butter and pour it over the top of the parfait to seal. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Crusty bread: Sliced baguette or sourdough bread pairs perfectly with the creamy parfait.
- Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast.
- Pickles: Cornichons or pickled onions provide a tangy balance to the rich parfait.
- Chutney: A sweet fruit chutney or caramelized onion jam adds a delightful sweetness.
- Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the parfait.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Don’t overcook the livers: The livers should be slightly pink inside to maintain a smooth texture. Overcooking can make the parfait grainy.
- Strain for smoothness: Passing the mixture through a fine sieve is essential to achieve the desired silky texture.
- Seal with butter: Pouring melted butter on top helps preserve the parfait and adds a luxurious touch.
- Add flavor depth: You can experiment with adding other herbs like rosemary or sage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use good-quality butter: Since butter is a key ingredient, use unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Herb variation: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
- Brandy-free version: If you prefer an alcohol-free version, replace the brandy with apple juice or chicken stock.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
- Mushroom addition: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with the shallots for an earthy variation.
- Fruit topping: Top the parfait with a layer of fruit jelly, such as red currant or cranberry jelly, for a festive touch.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Refrigerate: Store the parfait in an airtight container or ramekin sealed with melted butter in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the parfait for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Portion control: Freeze in small, individual portions for easy serving later on.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Serve cold: Chicken liver parfait is traditionally served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.
- If needed: If you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait Healthier?
- Use less butter: Reduce the amount of butter used to lighten the parfait while still maintaining its smooth texture.
- Substitute cream: For a lighter version, you can replace part of the butter with a splash of cream or half-and-half.
- Opt for lean livers: Choose lean chicken livers for a lower-fat version of this dish.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I freeze chicken liver parfait?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Liver Parfait can be frozen. After preparing the parfait, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and enjoy it chilled.
How long does chicken liver parfait last in the fridge?
Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, ensure that the parfait is sealed with a layer of melted butter or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
What is the best way to serve chicken liver parfait?
Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait is best served chilled with accompaniments like crusty bread, crackers, or pickles. For added flavor, serve it with a side of chutney or caramelized onions, which complement the richness of the parfait.
Can I make chicken liver parfait without alcohol?
Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait without alcohol. Simply replace the brandy or wine with chicken stock or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version, while still maintaining the flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait is an elegant, rich dish that makes an ideal appetizer or special treat for any occasion. Its smooth texture, combined with the subtle flavors of chicken liver, herbs, and brandy, creates a luxurious experience for your taste buds.
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Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing and blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait is a smooth, rich pâté made by blending sautéed chicken livers with butter, shallots, garlic, and herbs, then strained to create a creamy and indulgent spread. Often served with crusty bread or crackers, this parfait has a sophisticated flavor, making it a popular choice for entertaining. The addition of wine or brandy adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) chicken livers – the star of the dish, cleaned and trimmed.
- 150g (5 oz) unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy base.
- 2 shallots – finely chopped for sweetness and flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves – add an earthy herbal note.
- 75ml (2.5 fl oz) brandy or white wine – adds depth and richness.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Extra butter – melted, for sealing the parfait.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken livers
- Clean and trim the chicken livers, removing any sinew or discolored parts. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the shallots and garlic
- In a large frying pan, melt 50g of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the chicken livers
- Add the chicken livers to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Add the thyme leaves and pour in the brandy or white wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the parfait
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the chicken liver mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then gradually add the remaining butter while blending to create a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Strain the mixture
- Pass the liver mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl to ensure a silky texture. This step is key to achieving the parfait’s smoothness.
Step 6: Chill the parfait
- Pour the parfait mixture into a serving dish or individual ramekins. Melt a little extra butter and pour it over the top of the parfait to seal. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
