Mutton Liver

Mutton liver, an often underappreciated offal, is a nutritious and flavorful ingredient with a rich culinary history in many global cuisines. Despite being less popular than mainstream cuts of meat, mutton liver is a versatile and healthful option for adventurous home cooks. In this guide, we will delve into the culinary uses of mutton liver, its nutritional value, and tips for cooking and storage.

Mutton liver comes from mature sheep and is known for its soft, tender texture and robust flavor. When cooked properly, it has a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality that sets it apart from other offal. The taste of mutton liver is stronger than that of calf or chicken liver, making it well-suited for bold, well-seasoned dishes. It can be found in various forms, such as whole liver, slices, or ground liver.

health benefits of mutton liver

• High in protein: Mutton liver is an excellent source of complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids needed for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health.
• Rich in iron: Mutton liver is a fantastic source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources. Adequate iron intake is crucial for healthy blood cells and preventing anemia.
• Loaded with vitamins: Mutton liver is particularly high in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function. It also contains a significant amount of B vitamins, such as B12, niacin, and riboflavin, which help with energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Good source of minerals: Mutton liver is rich in essential minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium, which play vital roles in immune function, antioxidant activity, and overall health.

List of international dishes 

Indian Mutton Liver Fry: A spicy, flavorful dish that stir-fries mutton liver with a mix of aromatic spices and herbs.

British Liver and Onions: A classic dish made by sautéing mutton liver with caramelized onions and serving it with gravy.

Middle Eastern Liver Kebabs: Skewered and grilled mutton liver, marinated in spices and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Italian Fegato alla Veneziana: A Venetian dish that sautés mutton liver with onions and white wine, typically served with polenta.

Lebanese Liver Sauté: Mutton liver cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses, often served as a mezze dish.

Italian Fegato alla Veneziana

cooking tips:

• Choose fresh liver: Opt for mutton liver that is bright and glossy, with a deep red or burgundy color. Avoid liver that appears slimy, discolored, or has an off smell.
• Remove any connective tissue: Trim away any visible connective tissue, veins, or membranes from the liver before cooking to ensure a tender texture.
• Cook quickly: Mutton liver is best cooked quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking and toughening. Sautéing, stir-frying, and grilling are ideal methods for mutton liver.
• Don’t overcook: Cook the liver until just done, as overcooking can result in a tough, dry texture. Mutton liver should still be slightly pink in the center when cooked properly.
• Use bold flavors: Pair mutton liver with strong, flavorful ingredients to complement its rich taste. Spices, herbs, and acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice work well.

Nutrition facts:

Calories: 191 kcal

Protein: 26gTotal Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 389mg

Iron: 9mg

Vitamin A: 9500 IU

Vitamin B12: 83µg

Copper: 6.9mg

Zinc: 4.3mg

Selenium: 27µg

Storage instructions:

• Refrigerate raw mutton liver promptly: Store mutton liver in its original packaging or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it on a plate or tray in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the bottom shelf, to prevent any juices from contaminating other foods. Raw mutton liver can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Freeze for extended storage: If you don’t plan to cook the mutton liver within a couple of days, it’s best to freeze it. Wrap the liver in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen mutton liver can last up to 3-4 months.
• Thaw safely: When you’re ready to cook the mutton liver, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. This process can take up to 24 hours, depending on the size of the liver. For faster thawing, you can also use the cold water or microwave method. However, be sure to cook the liver immediately after thawing using these methods.
• Store cooked mutton liver properly: Leftover cooked mutton liver should be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Consume cooked mutton liver within 2-3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Mutton liver is an exceptional, nutrient-dense ingredient that adds unique flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. By incorporating mutton liver into your culinary repertoire, you’ll be expanding your palate, supporting nose-to-tail eating, and reaping the numerous health benefits this offal has to offer. Don’t shy away from this lesser-known yet delectable ingredient—embrace the rich, earthy taste of mutton liver and let it elevate your dishes to new gastronomic heights. It’s time to rediscover this nutritious and flavorful gem of traditional cuisines around the world!