Liver pudding is a beloved Southern delicacy that combines rich pork liver with spices and cornmeal, resulting in a flavorful, hearty dish. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook liver pudding to get that perfect crispy outside and tender inside, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through everything you need to know-from prepping the liver to frying up delicious slices-so you can enjoy this classic treat at home.
What Is Liver Pudding?
Liver pudding, sometimes called livermush or liver loaf, is a traditional Southern food made primarily from pork liver, pork head parts, cornmeal, and a blend of spices like sage, salt, and pepper. It’s a budget-friendly, protein-packed dish that’s often served for breakfast or as a side, especially in Southern households.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Pork liver (fresh and cleaned)
– Ground pork or pork head meat
– Cornmeal
– Onions
– Bacon (for grease and flavor)
– Sage
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional for breading)
– Butter or bacon grease (for frying)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Liver Pudding
1. Preparing the Liver
Start by rinsing the fresh pork liver under cold water. To mellow out any bitterness, soak the liver in cold milk for about 2 hours in the fridge. After soaking, pat the liver dry and remove any visible veins or membranes. Cut the liver into roughly 1-inch chunks-perfect for cooking and grinding later.
2. Cooking the Meat
Place your liver chunks, ground pork, and chopped onions into a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring it to a gentle simmer-avoid boiling to keep the meat tender. Maintain the temperature around 170°F and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the liver is fully cooked and tender.
3. Grinding and Mixing
Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot, reserving some of the cooking liquid. While still warm, grind the liver and pork mixture using a meat grinder or food processor until smooth. Return the ground meat to the pot, add some reserved cooking liquid, salt, pepper, and sage, then bring it back to a boil.
4. Adding Cornmeal
Slowly stir in cornmeal to the boiling mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, pour the mixture into greased loaf pans, smooth the tops, and let it cool until firm. Cover and refrigerate overnight to set properly.
How to Cook Liver Pudding for Serving
Slicing and Frying
Once your liver pudding has chilled and set, slice it into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces. For the best flavor and texture, coat the slices lightly in a seasoned breading made from instant flour (like Wondra), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a skillet with bacon grease and butter until hot. Fry the liver pudding slices for about 3–5 minutes on each side, without disturbing them too much, until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. This contrast of crunchy outside and soft inside is what makes liver pudding so special.
Tips for Perfect Liver Pudding
– Use bacon grease for frying: It adds a smoky, savory depth that butter alone can’t match.
– Don’t skip soaking the liver: Soaking in milk reduces bitterness and improves flavor.
– Be patient with stirring cornmeal: Stir slowly and constantly to avoid lumps and get a smooth pudding.
– Season well: Sage, salt, and pepper are traditional, but a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder can add a nice kick.
– Serve hot with breakfast favorites: Liver pudding pairs wonderfully with eggs, grits, waffles, or pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
Liver pudding is versatile. You can enjoy it simply fried with eggs, or get creative:
– Serve with syrup and butter for a sweet-savory combo.
– Add it to a breakfast sandwich with cheese and hot sauce.
– Use it as a side with collard greens and cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Liver pudding is a comforting, flavorful dish that celebrates Southern heritage. Cooking it yourself lets you control the seasoning and texture, making it a rewarding kitchen project. With these tips and steps, you’ll be frying up crispy, delicious liver pudding slices in no time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the tasty results!