Tuscan Chicken Liver Pate Easy Recipe

Why Tuscan Chicken Liver Pate Is a Superfood for Skin, Hair, Nails & General Health

How to Make Liver Pate at Home - Easy Recipe

by Anastasia Bakker Tuscany, Italy May 21, 2025

Traditional Tuscan chicken liver crostini - How to serve liver pate Tuscan chicken liver pate (Pâté), known in Italy as Crostini Toscani, isn’t just a delicious traditional Italian appetizer — it’s a nutrient-dense super food that supports glowing skin, stronger hair, healthier nails, and overall well-being. Packed with bioavailable vitamins and minerals, this rustic Tuscan recipe combines chicken livers, extra virgin olive oil, anchovies, capers, and butter — each ingredient playing a vital role in your body’s natural regeneration and detoxification processes. Often overlooked in modern diets, chicken liver is one of the most potent collagen boosting foods, naturally rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids that support cell turnover, hair growth, and glowing skin.

This traditional Tuscan crostini recipe is also a good example of the Mediterranean diet, which is known globally for its anti-aging and heart-protective effects. The inclusion of healthy fats like olive oil, nutrient-rich small fish like anchovies, and antioxidant-packed capers makes this vitamin-rich liver pate not only a treat for your palate but also a functional food that nourishes you from within. Whether you're searching for vitamin B12 rich foods, seeking ways how to increase iron naturally, or simply looking for superfoods for women’s wellness, this easy Tuscan liver pate spread deserves a place on your plate.

What is Tuscan Chicken Liver Pate?

Tuscan Chicken Liver Pâté, or Crostini di Fegatini, is a traditional Italian spread made from sautéed chicken livers blended with aromatic vegetables, capers, anchovies, wine, and butter. It has a rich, savory flavor with earthy undertones and a creamy yet slightly rustic texture. Typically served warm on slices of toasted bread (crostini), it’s a staple of Tuscan antipasti and often enjoyed during holidays and family gatherings.

Unlike French style pates, which can be smooth and buttery, the Tuscan crostini has a more rustic, countryside character — reflecting its humble origins in the heart of Italy’s farmhouse kitchens. It's a beautiful blend of simplicity and nourishment, rooted in centuries-old culinary traditions.

Chicken liver pate easy recipe

How to Make Liver Pate at Home - Superfood for Skin, Hair, Nails & General Health Making Tuscan chicken liver pate at home from scratch is surprisingly simple and takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Liver pate ingredients:

400 g (14 oz) chicken livers, cleaned and trimmed
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3–4 anchovy fillets
60 ml (1/4 cup) dry white wine
1–2 tbsp butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley or sage for liver pate garnish
To serve: toasted bread or crostini

How to make liver pate from scratch:

Clean the chicken livers by trimming away any connective tissue. Rinse and pat dry. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until soft and golden (about 5–7 minutes).

Add the chicken livers to the pan and sauté until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside (around 6–8 minutes). Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.

Stir in anchovy fillets and chopped capers. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes. Add 1–2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer the mixture to a food processor or use an immersion blender to purée to your desired texture — either smooth or slightly rustic. Spoon the warm pâté onto toasted crostini. Garnish with chopped parsley or sage if desired.

This pâté is delicious warm or cold and keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days. For even deeper flavor, let it rest overnight — just bring it to room temperature before serving.

How to make liver pate from scratch - Tuscan chicken liver pate easy recipe

ChiСken Liver Pate
Video Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Liver Pate - Tuscan Crostini

In this Italian vlog we’re making a delicate homemade Tuscan chicken liver pate — a healthy Italian appetizer that’s not only delicious but also a true natural superfood! In this video recipe you’ll learn how to make chicken liver pate at home from scratch.

Living in Italy Vlog Series

Liver pate benefits for skin, hair & nails

1. Chicken Livers — A Powerhouse of Vitamins

Chicken livers are exceptionally rich in nutrients, especially those that support skin, hair, and nail regeneration.

Vitamin A (Retinol): Essential for cell turnover, glowing skin, and strong nails.
Vitamin B12: Promotes healthy hair growth and supports red blood cell formation.
Iron (heme): Helps prevent hair thinning and fatigue by supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
Folate (B9): Crucial for tissue growth and cell function, including healthy skin.
Protein: Contains all essential amino acids necessary for collagen production and tissue repair.

Vitamin A stimulates collagen, keeping your skin firm. B12 and iron enhance hair follicle oxygenation, reducing breakage and improving hair thickness. Folate helps maintain skin elasticity and promotes healing.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil — for Youthful Skin

Tuscan cuisine wouldn’t be complete without extra virgin olive oil, and it plays a key role in this pâté’s flavor and health benefits.

Monounsaturated Fats: Support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
Polyphenols: Natural compounds that defend the skin against UV damage and aging.

Vitamin E and antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing wrinkles and promoting soft, supple skin. Healthy fats are essential for moisturizing from within, giving your complexion a natural glow.

3. Anchovy Fillets — Small Fish, Big Benefits

Often overlooked, anchovies are a super-condensed source of nutrients for healthy skin and hair.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): Reduce skin inflammation and improve hydration.
Calcium and phosphorus: Strengthen nails and support skin structure.
Selenium: Helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce acne and calm inflamed skin, while selenium and calcium support hair follicle strength and nail hardness.

4. Capers — Tiny Foods Packed with Antioxidants

Capers are more than a flavor booster; they’re rich in protective antioxidants that support skin clarity and cellular health.

Rutin: A plant flavonoid that strengthens capillaries and supports blood circulation.
Quercetin: An anti-inflammatory antioxidant known to reduce puffiness and skin irritation.
Vitamin K: Supports wound healing and may help reduce dark circles.

Improved circulation means better nutrient delivery to skin and hair follicles. The anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe irritated skin and maintain an even complexion.

5. Butter — The Saturated Fat That Nourishes Deeply

Used in moderation, butter adds richness and enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A and D: Both support skin health, hormone balance, and immune function.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Found in grass-fed butter, known for anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

Fat-soluble vitamins in butter aid skin repair, improve elasticity, and boost immunity. CLA may also help combat skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is liver pâté the same as liverwurst?view answer+

No, liver pâté and liverwurst are not exactly the same, though they are similar. Liver pâté is a spreadable paste made from liver (usually chicken, duck, or pork), often blended with butter, herbs, wine, and aromatics. Liverwurst, on the other hand, is a German-style sausage that contains liver along with pork meat, fat, and spices. Liverwurst is typically firmer and served sliced, while pâté is softer and spreadable.

Can babies eat liver pate?view answer+

Liver pate is very nutrient dense, especially rich in iron and vitamin A, which are beneficial for babies. However, because of the high vitamin A content, it's best to offer liver in very small amounts and only occasionally once your baby is eating solids (around 6 months and older). Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing liver products to your baby’s diet.

Is liver pate as healthy as liver?view answer+

Liver pâté retains many of the nutritional benefits of liver, including high levels of iron, vitamin A, B12, and essential minerals. However, the overall health value depends on the other ingredients used. Traditional recipes often include butter or cream, which add saturated fat. Still, when made with clean, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, capers, and anchovies—as in Tuscan chicken liver pate — it remains a highly nutritious food.

Does liver pate have iron in it?view answer+

Yes, liver pate is an excellent source of heme iron, the type of iron most easily absorbed by the body. This makes it a particularly good food for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia or for women during menstruation and pregnancy (in appropriate amounts).

Can you freeze liver pâté?view answer+

Yes, liver pâté freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can dogs eat liver pâté?view answer+

In small amounts, plain liver pâté without added salt, onions, garlic, or alcohol can be safe for dogs. However, many pâté recipes include ingredients that are toxic to dogs. If you want to share liver with your pet, it’s best to make a simple version specifically for them or consult your vet first.

How long does liver pate last?view answer+

Homemade liver pâté typically lasts 3–5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, you can cover the surface with a thin layer of melted butter or olive oil to seal out air.

Is chicken liver pate keto-friendly?view answer+

Yes! Chicken liver pâté is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Just be sure to serve it with keto-friendly options like sliced cucumbers or seed crackers instead of bread.