Chicken Liver Masala
Tender chicken livers simmered in a rich, aromatic masala of onions, tomatoes, and fragrant Indian spices. A quick and flavorful dish that's perfect with hot rotis or rice, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Liver
- b.Rinse the chicken liver thoroughly under cold running water. Trim away any visible fat, sinew, or greenish parts (bile ducts).
- c.Cut the liver into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch).
- d.Pat the pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 7-9 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Sauté for another 60 seconds until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see ghee separating from the sides of the masala.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the spices without burning them. Add a splash of hot water if the masala seems too dry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Liver
- b.Increase the heat back to medium. Add the prepared chicken liver pieces to the pan.
- c.Gently stir to coat the liver pieces evenly with the masala. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- d.The liver is cooked when it is firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. To check, you can cut one piece in half. Be careful not to overcook.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish, along with the garam masala. Give it a final, gentle stir to combine.
- c.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the liver, as it will become tough and rubbery. Cook just until it's firm and cooked through.
- 2For a milder flavor, you can soak the cleaned liver pieces in milk or salted water for 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly afterwards.
- 3Patting the liver pieces dry before adding them to the pan helps them to sear slightly rather than steam.
- 4Crush the kasuri methi between your palms before adding it to release its maximum aroma and flavor.
- 5For a richer, more traditional flavor, use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
- 6If the masala becomes too dry while cooking, add a few tablespoons of hot water to adjust the consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or whisked full-fat yogurt at the end of cooking. Cook on low heat for another minute.
South Indian StyleSouth Indian Style
Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds with the cumin seeds. Stir in 1/4 cup of coconut milk at the end for a subtle, sweet flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Chicken liver is one of the best dietary sources of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. It helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia and boosts energy levels.
Excellent Source of Vitamin A
It is packed with Vitamin A in its preformed state (retinol), which is crucial for maintaining good vision, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting cell growth.
High in Protein
Provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and producing enzymes and hormones.
Packed with B Vitamins
Chicken liver is an exceptional source of B vitamins, especially B12 and folate. These nutrients are vital for brain health, nerve function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chicken Liver Masala (approximately 215g) contains around 320-360 calories, depending on the amount of ghee or oil used.