Chopped Liver

An easy recipe for a healthy chopped liver that does not contain chicken fat. It’s not as refined as chicken liver mousse – but it’s delicious!

Chopped liver is the Jewish version of chicken liver mousse. It’s simpler, heartier, less refined, and just as important, it’s kosher because it doesn’t contain butter or cream.

The ingredients you’ll need

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty appetizer. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:

1. Fresh chicken livers
2. Hard-boiled eggs
3. Extra-virgin olive oil
4. Finely chopped onion
5. Minced garlic
6. Kosher salt and black pepper

How to make chopped liver

It’s so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

1. Cook the onions and garlic in olive oil. Transfer to your food processor along with the eggs.
2. Add more oil to the skillet and fry the livers. Don’t overcook!
3. Transfer the skillet’s contents, including the oil, to the food processor.
4. Add the salt and pepper.
5. Pulse Just until smooth.
6. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

My recipe is a bit different than traditional recipes

I make this recipe without chicken fat (schmaltz in Yiddish). Instead, I use olive oil, and the results are amazing.

I’m sure grandma would be horrified… but it truly is very tasty. The olive oil also keeps the dish softer when refrigerated.

I also like to add garlic, another departure from tradition. But I have yet to find a meat dish that isn’t enhanced by just a little garlic!

How long can chopped liver stay in the fridge?

It’s best after it had a chance to rest in the fridge, covered, for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. But it doesn’t keep long in the fridge.

Plan to make it the day you serve it, a few hours ahead, and then finish it within a day or two. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

You can also freeze it, although it will lose some of its creaminess. After defrosting, try mixing in a little more olive oil, and mix it well so that it becomes fluffier.

What do you eat with chopped liver?

It’s wonderful on toast or on Matzoh for Passover. For the low carb crowd, it’s really good on a toasted low carb English muffin or on almond flour crackers. I often serve it with crudites and use the fresh-cut vegetables to scoop it out.

This dish is traditionally served as an appetizer on Jewish holidays. My grandma used to make it for Rosh HaShanah and for Passover.

But I just make it whenever I’m in the mood, and I often serve it as our main course, alongside some quick pickles, stuffed olives, and crudites.

Is chopped liver healthy?

Yes! Liver is a nutrient-dense superfood, chock-full of important nutrients. Specifically for chicken livers, they are high in protein, in B vitamins, and in folate.

It can also be argued that eating the whole animals is also an ethical and sustainable choice for those who choose to eat meat.

The other main ingredients in this recipe – eggs, olive oil, and onion, are also healthy.

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4.96 from 63 votes

Chopped Liver

An easy recipe for healthy chopped liver that does not contain chicken fat. It’s not as refined as chicken liver mousse – but it’s delicious!

Cook Time20 mins

Rest time2 hrs

Total Time2 hrs 20 mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Jewish

Keyword: liver

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. chicken livers
• 3 large hard-boiled eggs, halved
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (8 oz)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (not table salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

• Place the chicken livers on paper towels to drain. Place the eggs in your food processor bowl.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and fry until golden, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a few more seconds, just until no longer raw. Using a spatula, transfer the skillet contents, including any remaining oil, to the food processor.
• Add 2 more tablespoons oil to the skillet. Add the chicken livers and fry over medium heat until brown on the outside but still pink on the inside, 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook, or the livers will become dry.
• Again, use the spatula to transfer the skillet contents, including the livers, the oil and any tasty bits left on the bottom of the skillet, to the food processor. Add the salt and pepper. Pulse just until smooth, about 30 seconds, stopping once to scrape the sides with a spatula.
• Transfer the chopped liver to a serving dish. Cover and keep in the fridge for at least two hours, allowing flavors to meld. Don’t eat chopped liver when still warm! It needs time to develop its deep, earthy flavor.

NUTRITION INFO Nutrition info is approximate and may contain errors. It is calculated using the SparkPeople.com recipe calculator, and the carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Please feel free to make your own calculations. Please read the disclaimers in our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Please verify they are before using.

Nutrition Facts

Chopped Liver

Amount Per Serving

Calories 163 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Sodium 201mg9%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Protein 12g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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