Frequently Asked Questions
What is Katz's Gourmet Chopped Liver Spread?
It is a luxurious, creamy, and savory spread inspired by New York's Katz's Delicatessen, blending beef and chicken livers with sautéed onions and eggs.
What types of liver are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 lb of beef liver and 1 lb of chicken liver.
Should the beef liver be soaked before cooking?
Yes, soaking the cleaned beef liver in milk for 1 to 2 hours is recommended to enhance its flavor.
How do you cook the beef liver?
Arrange the beef livers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for about 10 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
How do you cook the chicken liver?
Broil the chicken livers on a baking sheet for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until they are thoroughly cooked.
What is the best way to cook the onions for this spread?
Thinly slice one large yellow onion and sauté in 1/3 cup of canola oil over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until soft and golden.
What ingredients are added to the food processor?
The food processor should include the broiled beef and chicken livers, sautéed onions, rendered chicken fat, hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper.
How much rendered chicken fat is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of rendered chicken fat for flavor and texture.
How many eggs are needed for the Katz's Chopped Liver Spread?
You will need 2 hard-boiled eggs, which should be shelled before processing.
What consistency should the spread have?
The mixture should be processed until it reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
How long should the spread be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What are the suggested serving options?
This delicacy is ideal for serving on freshly sliced rye bread as an appetizer or snack.
Can I make this if I only have a small food processor?
Yes, you can cut the beef liver into smaller pieces and quarter the eggs, then process the ingredients in batches.
Is this recipe considered traditional?
Yes, it is a nostalgic bite of Jewish culinary tradition and inspired by a recipe from Saveur magazine.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of canola oil for cooking the onions.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe to achieve the best flavor profile.
Is there a specific way to prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup after broiling the livers.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The onions are ready when they have become soft and golden, which typically takes 10 to 12 minutes.
Does this recipe use black pepper?
Yes, ground black pepper is added to taste to provide a savory depth.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the world-famous Katz's Delicatessen and was featured in Saveur magazine.
Is the liver cleaned before cooking?
Yes, both the beef and chicken livers should be cleaned before the preparation process begins.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Absolutely, its unique taste and smooth texture make it a perfect impressive appetizer for guests.
What category of food does this fall under?
This dish is categorized as a spread, appetizer, or pâté within Jewish cuisine.
Why is rendered chicken fat used?
Also known as schmaltz, it provides the essential traditional flavor and contributes to the creamy texture.
Should the spread be covered in the fridge?
Yes, transfer the spread to a bowl and cover with plastic film before refrigerating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: beef liver, chicken liver, canola oil, yellow onion, chicken fat, eggs, salt, and pepper.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The spread is savory and rich, characterized by the depth of the livers and the sweetness of sautéed onions.
Is the broiler temperature important?
Yes, the broiler should be preheated to high to ensure the livers brown and cook correctly.
Can I substitute yellow onions?
While yellow onions are standard for their balance of flavor, they are specific to this traditional Katz's-style recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The spread itself is made from gluten-free ingredients, though it is traditionally served on rye bread which contains gluten.