Go Back
–+ servings
Liver Florentine
Liver Florentine is a classic dish that brings together sautéed liver and a rich tomato base, seasoned with onions and spices for a warming and economical meal. Though "Florentine" often refers to dishes featuring spinach, this vintage take skips the greens and focuses on a comforting, tomato-forward preparation popular in mid-century kitchens. The liver is lightly simmered, ground or finely chopped, and cooked with onion and seasoned tomato sauce. Traditionally served over noodles, it’s a satisfying dish that bridges frugality with hearty flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 184 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ lb beef liver (or pork liver)
  • 1 tbsp fat (such as butter or lard)
  • ¼ cup onion (finely chopped)
  • 1½ cups tomatoes (canned )
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • ⅓ cup tomato catsup
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 dash red pepper
  • cooked noodles (for serving (optional))

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Liver

  • Remove skin and tubes from liver
  • Drop liver into boiling water and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, until no longer pink
  • Drain thoroughly and chop fine or put through a meat chopper using a coarse blade

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, melt the fat over medium heat
  • Sauté finely chopped onions for 2–3 minutes until softened

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Add chopped liver, canned tomatoes (rubbed through a sieve), tomato catsup, bouillon cube, salt, and dash of red pepper to the skillet
  • Stir to combine

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

  • Bring mixture to a boil
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
  • Serve hot over boiled noodles if desired

Tips

  • Substitute pork liver for beef liver as the card allows.
  • Add a handful of sautéed spinach to make it more “Florentine-style.”
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium bouillon and rinsed canned tomatoes.
  • Add garlic when sautéing onions for deeper flavor.
  • Serve over rice, noodles (as suggested), or crusty bread.
  • A splash of red wine can enrich the tomato flavor.
  • For a smoother texture, fully purée the mixture instead of coarse chopping.
  • Add crushed red pepper for a spicier version.
  • Use butter instead of fat for a richer, vintage flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 19gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 237mgSodium: 549mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 14949IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 4mg
Keyword comfort food, economical recipe, hearty meal, liver florentine, old-fashioned cooking, stovetop dinner, vintage recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!