Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté is an exceptional dish that combines rich flavors, a creamy texture, and a touch of sophistication, perfect for anyone looking to explore the world of savory spreads or elevate their charcuterie board.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté?

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté is a mouthwatering spread made from lamb’s liver, onions, garlic, and a selection of aromatic herbs and spices. This pâté offers a balance of earthy, rich flavors from the liver, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the warmth of herbs such as thyme.

With a smooth and creamy texture, it’s a great appetizer or spread to enjoy with toast, crackers, or vegetables. It’s an affordable, yet gourmet option for those who enjoy offal-based dishes, and it’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Lamb’s liver – About 450g (roughly 1 lb), trimmed and chopped into chunks
2. Butter – 100g (about 1/2 cup), for sautéing and richness
3. Olive oil – A tablespoon for extra flavor during cooking
4. Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
5. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a fragrant base
6. Fresh thyme – A few sprigs, leaves picked
7. Cognac or brandy – 50ml (2 oz), for deglazing and adding depth
8. Double cream – 100ml (around 1/2 cup) for creaminess
9. Salt and pepper – To taste for seasoning
10. Lemon juice – A teaspoon for freshness
11. Worcestershire sauce – Optional, to balance the richness with a tangy note

Optional garnishes include chopped parsley for color, and you may also consider serving with toast or crackers for texture contrast.

Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan/skillet – For sautéing the liver, onions, and garlic
2. Blender or food processor – To purée the liver mixture into a smooth pâté
3. Knife – To chop the ingredients
4. Chopping board – To safely prepare the vegetables and liver
5. Ladle or spoon – For serving the pâté
6. Serving dish or bowl – To present the finished pâté, preferably one that allows you to spread it easily

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by trimming and chopping the lamb’s liver into small chunks. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the butter and a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook them slowly until they soften and caramelize, about 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Liver: Add the lamb’s liver to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, around 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can check the liver by cutting into a piece-ensure it’s not pink in the middle.
4. Deglaze with Brandy or Cognac: Once the liver is browned, add the cognac or brandy to the pan and let it cook off for a minute, scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Blend the Mixture: Transfer the liver and onion mixture into a blender or food processor. Add the double cream, a squeeze of lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pâté and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
7. Chill and Serve: Transfer the pâté into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pâté to firm up for spreading.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Liver: Lamb liver can become tough if overcooked, so be sure to cook it just until browned on the outside while still slightly pink in the center. This will help ensure the pâté remains smooth and tender.
• Creaminess Adjustment: If the pâté feels too thick after blending, you can add a bit more cream or even a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Boost: For added depth, you can stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of smoked paprika. This introduces a mild tang or smokiness that enhances the richness of the liver.
• Serving Ideas: Serve this pâté with crusty bread, crisp crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a well-rounded appetizer platter. For a more refined touch, pair with a glass of red wine or a fruity white.

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pâté is a flavorful, rich dish that brings together the unique taste of lamb’s liver with the comforting textures of cream and caramelized onions. It’s easy to make, with a few key ingredients that come together in a harmonious way. Whether you’re looking to try something new or serve a delicious appetizer for a special occasion, this pâté will surely impress with its decadent flavors and smooth, spreadable texture.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate

Jamie Oliver’s lamb liver pate is a delightful dish that offers a rich, creamy texture and an earthy flavor profile. However, it’s also versatile, and you can add different twists to the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few easy variations to make the pate your own:

1. Herb-Infused Variation

   • One of the simplest ways to tweak Jamie Oliver’s recipe is by infusing herbs into the dish. Adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage during the cooking process can elevate the flavors. After sautéing the onions, toss in some chopped fresh thyme or rosemary and let it cook with the liver and onions for 3-4 minutes. This will infuse the pate with a fragrant herbal note that complements the richness of the liver.

2. Spicy Kick

   • For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pate mixture. Alternatively, you could use fresh chili, finely chopped, for a more pronounced kick. Adding spicy flavors balances out the earthy and creamy elements of the pate, creating a delightful contrast.

3. Caramelized Onion And Balsamic Glaze

   • Caramelized onions bring a subtle sweetness to the pate, which pairs wonderfully with the richness of lamb liver. To create this variation, slowly cook onions with a little bit of olive oil until they turn golden and sweet. Adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar toward the end of the caramelization process gives the onions an extra depth of flavor. Mix these into your pate mixture for a deliciously sweet contrast.

4. Smoky Flavor

   • For a more rustic, smoky flavor, you can experiment by adding smoked paprika or even incorporating some chopped smoked bacon into the pate. Fry the bacon first, and then use the rendered fat to sauté the onions and liver. The result is a pate with a smoky richness that’s ideal for those who enjoy a hearty, slightly salty flavor.

5. Fruit And Nut Garnish

   • If you’re looking for a beautiful, texturally interesting variation, top your lamb liver pate with a handful of toasted nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) and thinly sliced fruit, such as pears or apples. The crisp fruit adds a refreshing bite while the nuts introduce a nice crunch, making the dish even more indulgent.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Lamb liver pate is a delightful treat, but sometimes it’s hard to finish everything in one sitting. If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is crucial to maintain both flavor and texture. Here’s how you can store your lamb liver pate:

1. Refrigeration

   • Once you’re done enjoying your pate, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. Transfer the pate to an airtight container, ensuring there’s as little air as possible in the container to avoid oxidation. When sealed properly, the pate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

2. Freezing

   • If you’d like to keep it longer, freezing lamb liver pate is a great option. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When stored correctly, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight and bring it back to room temperature before serving.

3. Surface Layer Protection

   • A great trick for preserving the pate’s smooth texture is to cover the surface with a thin layer of melted clarified butter or duck fat before storing. This helps create a barrier between the pate and the air, keeping it from drying out and developing an off-putting layer on top.

4. Use Within A Week

   • While storing pate is fine, it’s best to enjoy it within a week of making it to fully experience its fresh, rich flavors. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors will mature and develop, which some may enjoy, but over time, the texture may change, so it’s best to consume it within the first few days for optimal results.

What Goes Well With Lamb Liver Pate?

Lamb liver pate is a luxurious and earthy dish, so pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some fantastic options that go well with lamb liver pate:

1. Crusty Bread

   • The simplest and perhaps most iconic pairing is with a slice of crusty bread. Opt for a baguette, sourdough, or even a lightly toasted rye bread. The bread’s texture contrasts nicely with the creamy richness of the pate, and the flavor is neutral enough not to overwhelm the pate’s taste.

2. Pickles And Relishes

   • Tangy, sharp accompaniments like pickled onions, cornichons, or a sharp mustard relish help cut through the richness of the pate and provide a zesty contrast. Their acidity provides a balancing effect, making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing.

3. Fresh Herbs

   • Bright herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives can be sprinkled on top of the pate as a garnish. They add a pop of color, fragrance, and fresh flavor that works wonderfully with the more robust taste of the lamb liver.

4. Fruit Pairings

   • Fruits like figs, apples, or pears are excellent additions. Their natural sweetness provides a beautiful contrast to the earthy and savory flavor of the pate. You can serve the fruit on the side or even place thinly sliced fruit on top of the pate as a garnish for both flavor and visual appeal.

5. Cheese

   • A mild, creamy cheese like Brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully with lamb liver pate. You can offer a cheese platter on the side or spread the pate onto crackers and top it with a small slice of cheese for an indulgent bite.

6. Red Wine

   • To complement the rich flavors of lamb liver pate, opt for a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a nice Malbec. The tannins in these wines cut through the richness of the pate, while their depth enhances the flavor experience.

Conclusion

Lamb liver pate is a classic, indulgent dish that offers both richness and complexity in flavor. Whether you’re following Jamie Oliver’s original recipe or experimenting with variations like adding herbs, spice, or sweetness, this pate remains a versatile dish that suits a variety of palates.

Properly storing leftovers is essential to ensure the pate’s flavor and texture are preserved, and it pairs beautifully with accompaniments like crusty bread, pickles, and a bold red wine. So next time you make this dish, consider the many ways to make it your own and enjoy the culinary delight of lamb liver pate!.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate Recipe?

The main ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s lamb liver pate include lamb liver, butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, thyme, brandy or port, and a variety of spices like salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Additionally, cream and fresh herbs are used to smooth the texture and enhance the flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate?

The preparation time for Jamie Oliver’s lamb liver pate is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 15-20 minutes. However, you should allow additional time for the pate to cool and set before serving, which can take a few hours or overnight.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Liver Instead Of Lamb In This Pate Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lamb liver with other types of liver such as chicken, beef, or pork liver. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on the type of liver used.

Do I Need To Cook The Liver Thoroughly For This Pate Recipe?

Yes, it is essential to cook the liver until it is fully cooked but still tender. Overcooking can make the pate dry and grainy, so it’s important to cook it just enough to develop a rich flavor without losing its smooth texture.

How Can I Make The Pate Smoother If It’s Too Chunky?

If the pate turns out too chunky, you can blend it further using a food processor or immersion blender. Adding more cream or butter while blending can help create a smoother, more velvety texture.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the lamb liver pate ahead of time. In fact, letting it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight will allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

What Can I Serve With Lamb Liver Pate?

Lamb liver pate is delicious when served with crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks such as carrots or celery. You can also pair it with a light salad or serve it as part of a charcuterie board.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Liver Pate Recipe Suitable For People With Dietary Restrictions?

Jamie Oliver’s lamb liver pate contains dairy (butter and cream), so it may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. It also contains alcohol (brandy or port), which might be a concern for certain dietary restrictions. You can modify the recipe by using dairy-free substitutes and omitting the alcohol if needed.

How Do I Store Leftover Lamb Liver Pate?

Store leftover lamb liver pate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the pate. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

Can I Add Extra Flavors To The Pate, Such As Spices Or Herbs?

Absolutely!

Jamie Oliver’s lamb liver pate is versatile, and you can add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some popular additions include rosemary, sage, or a hint of spice like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Experiment with different flavors to make the pate uniquely yours.