Serves 2-3.
- 375g beef liver, sliced
- The juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp arrowroot flour
- ½ tsp Himalayan or unrefined sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 slices pastured bacon, cut crosswise into ½" pieces
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 4 dried figs, chopped
- ¼ tsp Himalayan or unrefined sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- In a non-reactive sealable container, marinate the beef liver in lemon juice for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours). Yes, that’s in the refrigerator!
- In a cold, large heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) set over medium heat, cook the bacon until nice and crispy.
- While the bacon is cooking, rinse the beef liver slices under running water and pat them dry.
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the arrowroot flour, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a whisk until very well combined.
- Dredge the liver slices in the arrowroot mixture and shake well to remove any excess. Set aside in a plate until bacon is done cooking.
- When bacon is nice and crispy, remove it to a plate with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Pour the bacon fat into a small bowl but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Put the skillet back over high heat.
- When the pan is really nice an hot, add the liver slices and sear for about 45 seconds to a minute per side, just long enough for them to get a beautiful dark brown and crispy exterior. You might have to work in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Remove the liver to a plate, cover loosely to keep it warm while you work on the onion compote. Put your pan back over the heat source and lower heat to medium-high; add about half the remaining bacon fat and throw the sliced onions right in.
- Let the onions caramelize for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onions have taken a nice golden coloration, add the remaining bacon fat and the sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms become soft and slightly golden.
- Add figs, salt, pepper, vinegar and water and cook for another minute or so, until liquid is completely evaporated.
- Stir in fresh sage, kill the heat and place liver slices on top of the onion compote. Cover loosely and let sit for about 5 minutes just to warm up the liver and allow all the flavours to mingle happily.
- Serve immediately , sprinkled with crispy bacon.
http://thehealthyfoodie.com/beef-liver-with-fig-bacon-and-caramelized-onion-compote/