Ever get tired of eating the same thing over and over? Try this classic recipe with Portuguese roots, loved by South Africans everywhere. It can be found in almost any restaurant in South Africa, and is usually enjoyed with crusty bread and delicious grass-fed butter. You can reduce the amount of heavy cream for less gravy if you choose, and regular bread can be substituted with this keto-friendly bread if you’re following a low-carb diet.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter (the best butter you can find)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (2 large cloves)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
450g chicken livers, cleaned and trimmed of excess fat
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon peri peri chili powder OR fresh chopped red chili (depends on how spicy you want it!)
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
2-3 bay leaves depending on size
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (min) to 3/4 cup (max) heavy cream - it depends on how saucy you want it!
1-2 tablespoons brandy
To serve: fresh parsley and crusty bread with butter

Method:

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3 minutes or until translucent, add garlic and chicken livers. Sauté until chicken livers are browned, then add red peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, oregano, bay leaves and lemon juice.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until all the flavors meld. It is important so that the lemon juice melds with the other ingredients first, otherwise you may experience curdling. Lower the heat, add heavy cream and simmer for 5-10 minutes being careful not to overcook the chicken livers. I usually test one by cutting it open and it should still be just slightly pink in the middle. Pour brandy into the pan, sprinkle with parsley and serve with crusty bread.