LIVER, BACON AND ONIONS

Almost every traditional British-style pub in Durban, of which there are many, will have a derivation of this dish on its menu.

450 g lamb or calf liver

4 tsp cake flour

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

4 tsp butter

1 tsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, sliced

4 rashers rindless back bacon, cut into 2-cm-wide strips

2 cups beef stock, made with 1 stock cube

2 tsp tomato sauce

1.      Rinse the liver under cold water and drain well on kitchen paper. Slice the liver.

2.      Put 2 tsp of the flour in a large bowl and add the salt and pepper. Add the liver slices to the bowl and toss in the seasoned flour until lightly coated.

3.      Melt 2 tsp of the butter with the oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Add the liver slices, ensuring that not too much flour is transferred to the pan. Cook the liver for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not completely cooked through. Transfer the liver from the pan to a plate.

4.      Using the same pan, turn down the heat and melt the remaining 2 tsp butter. Add the onion and cook for 1½ minutes, stirring to separate the rings. Add the bacon and cook with the onion for 5 minutes or until the onion is softened and golden brown. Stir the mixture regularly.

5.      Sprinkle the remaining flour over the bacon and onion and cook for a few seconds, stirring. Slowly pour the stock into the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, stir in the tomato sauce and cook on medium heat until the gravy thickens.

6.      Return the liver to the pan, give the mixture a good stir and heat through for about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

7.      Serve with mashed potatoes.

Serves 4