Fegato alla Veneziana

Instructions

1. 1
   Using a very sharp chef's knife, trim any outer membranes or veins from the calf liver and slice it into clean strips roughly 1 cm thick. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
2. 2
   In a wide skillet, heat the three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and melt half of the butter (20 grams) over medium-low heat.
3. 3
   Slide the julienned white onions into the pan along with two whole fresh sage leaves. Add a tiny pinch of salt to encourage the onions to weep and release water.
4. 4
   Cook the onions covered over minimum heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. They must become completely buttery, translucent, and pale golden, never browned or scorched.
5. 5
   Raise the flame slightly, splash in the two tablespoons of white wine vinegar (or white wine) to deglaze the skillet floor, and let the sharp alcohol notes cook off for 2 minutes.
6. 6
   Transfer the softened onions from the skillet onto a warm plate and set aside to halt their cooking path.
7. 7
   In the exact same pan, turn up the heat to high and drop in the remaining 20 grams of butter. It is essential that the skillet becomes scorching hot.
8. 8
   Cast the thin liver strips into the sizzling pan all at once. Flash-sear over maximum heat, tossing continuously, for exactly 2 or maximum 3 minutes. The liver must sear fast on the skin but remain blush-pink and succulent inside.
9. 9
   Immediately toss the reserved caramelized onions back into the pan with the liver. Toss rapidly for 30 seconds to emulsify the savory fats and coat the meat strips.
10. 10
    Kill the heat instantly. Now, and only now, season with sea salt and an abundant grind of fresh black pepper to taste (salting early draws out moisture and toughens the liver cells).
11. 11
    Plate immediately while piping hot, stacking the liver and glistening onions centrally on a clean white dish to emulate the look in `Fegato alla Veneziana.png`.
12. 12
    Accentuate the final plating by nesting the fresh green sage leaves at the flanks for a gorgeous aroma and contrasting pop of garden color.