Change Language: en
Login
/
/
The official tourism website
of the City of Venice
City of Venice

You are here

Venetian calf's liver with onions

Venetian calf's liver with onions

Fegato alla veneziana
ph. Giovanni Veronese @giovanniv63 via Instagram


Fegato alla Veneziana (finely sliced liver with sweet and sour onions) is known in Venice as figà àea Venessiana: this recipe is one of the most classic Venetian dishes, combining liver’s earthy flavour with the sweetness of the onions.

This traditional dish has ancient origins, dating back to the Romans, who used to cook liver with figs to tone down its rather strong taste and aroma. Venetians later replaced figs with onions, especially Chioggia white onions, a local variety which gives the dish its characteristic sweet note.

The secret of this recipe is caramelizing the onions over low heat and then adding white wine vinegar or lemon juice, a sour ingredient which will minimize liver’s bold flavor.

The following recipe is published on the website of the Italian Academy of Cuisine.

INGREDIENTS (served 4):

600g calf's liver, cut into thin strips

600g white onions, thinly sliced

50g butter

4 tbsp extravirgin olive oil

white wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

chopped fresh parsley (optional)

salt and pepper

 

PROCEDURE

  • Finely slice the onions. Heat the olive oil and the butter in a large frying pan.
  • Cook gently the onions over a low heat for 15/20 minutes, until translucent, then add the vinegar (optional).
  • Remove membrane from the outside of the calf’s liver, cut it into thin stripes and add it to the onions. Fry quickly for a few minutes over a high heat. Season top with salt, pepper and parsley (optional).
  • It is important not to overcook liver, or will become rubbery and grainy. Serve at once, over creamy or grilled polenta.

We recommend…

  • Venice Boat Show

    Buy the official merchandising of the Venice Boat Show online

    Visit the online shop

  • PIAZZALE ROMA CAR PARK

    Parking at "AUTORIMESSA" - AVM Municipal Garage 

    READ MORE

  •  
  • ACTV - PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN VENICE

    Public Transport Services (vaporetto and buses in the City of Venice)

    READ MORE

  • SCUOLA GRANDE DEI CARMINI

    It houses numerous works of art including the ceiling with paintings by G.Tiepolo

    READ MORE