Hígado con Chorizo (liver with chorizo)

hígado y chorizo

I had some pig’s liver, chorizo and mushrooms in the fridge and looked for a Spanish recipe which utilised all three in a sauce. Finding nothing satisfactory, I made up my own receta, with surprisingly good results.

Hígado con Chorizo recipe (serves 2-3 people):

1lb pig’s liver (cut into bite sized pieces)
1/2 hot chorizo ring (cut into bite sized pieces)
1 large onion (chopped)
6 pieces garlic (chopped)
6 mushrooms (chopped)
3 grated tomatoes (or half a tin of chopped tomatoes)
1 red pepper
a splash of sherry vinegar
a dessertspoon tomato purée
a teaspoon ground sage and thyme
a teaspoon of fresh coriander (chopped) or parsley
sea salt and black pepper
1 dessertspoon plain flour
extra virgin olive oil

pimiento

Before embarking on the dish itself, burn a red pepper until it is black all over – on a barbecue, under the grill (broiler) or on top of a gas hob. This is a very popular method of preparing red peppers (pimientos) in Spain. When completely black, put the pepper in a paper bag, Tupperware or cling film and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. The pimiento will steam in the residual heat and the skin can easily be removed with the fingers or the back of a knife, with a little help from the cold tap. The seeds are removed and the flesh has a sweet and smokey flavour. In Spain pimientos are commonly served in strips with a little olive oil, on top of salads, stuffed inside olives and in cooking. Those who can’t be bothered with the burning, can purchase pre-prepared red peppers in jars from all supermarkets and corner shops.

onion and chorizo

In a cazuela, cast iron casserole or large frying pan, gently soften a chopped onion in olive oil until it goes translucent and then stir in the chunks of chorizo. Be generous with the olive oil, it’s not just a cooking medium and it stops the onion burning.

higado de cerdo

When the onion stars to go orange from the pimentón in the chorizo, add the chopped liver. I used pig’s liver, but I’m certain that any type of liver will do.

sage and thyme

Sprinkle on some ground sage and thyme (I used a mortar and pestle, with a pinch of coarse sea salt and a few black pepper corns).

flour

Turn the heat up to half way, sprinkle on a dessertspoon of plain flour and a couple of turns of sea salt and black pepper. Stir vigorously to brown the liver without it sticking.

setas

When the liver has browned a little, mix in the mushrooms and garlic.

tomates

Cut 3 medium sized tomatoes (the riper the better) in half and grate the wet side into the cooking vessel. You should end up with all the pulp in with the liver and two flat pieces of tomato skin.

salsa

Fold the tomatoes and a big squirt of tomato purée into the solid ingredients, to make a sauce.

pimiento rojo

Slice up the roasted red pepper and mix that in to the liver and chorizo, along with a teaspoonful of chopped cilantro (coriander) and a splash of sherry vinegar. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

liver and chorizo

I was expecting to have to adjust the flavour and possibly add chicken stock or milk, but the dish was perfect, almost creamy, with a thick umami sauce. I deliberately used tomato and pimiento because they are typical Spanish ingredients, but also to act as a sweet counterpoint to the pig’s liver. I’m surprised not to have come across a similar recipe – perhaps el Duende was in the kitchen with me…

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta and seasonal vegetables. A robust Spanish red wine, such as, Muriel Vendimia Seleccionada (a Tempranillo from Rioja) will perfectly compliment the liver and chorizo.