Old Style Liver & Onions – A Classic Southern Soul Food Favorite – Black Foodie Finder

A Timeless Southern Comfort Food Classic

Tender beef liver, sautéed onions, and savory seasonings make Old Style Liver & Onions a traditional Southern comfort food favorite. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this skillet recipe combines sage, paprika, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a flavorful, homestyle meal.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound beef liver, membrane removed, cut into 4 X 1 X ¼-inch strips
• ¼ cup Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
• ⅛ teaspoon instant minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Makes: 4 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the liver. Combine flour, sage, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large plastic bag. Add the liver strips and shake until evenly coated. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions. Heat Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion rings and garlic, cooking until the onions become tender.
3. Cook the liver. Move the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the coated liver and cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Finish the dish. Mix the liver and onions. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, then add white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Serve warm. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy with your favorite Southern side dishes.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Avoid overcooking. Liver can become tough when cooked too long. Cook thoroughly while keeping it tender.
• Use chicken broth. Substitute chicken broth for white wine for an alcohol-free option.
• Serve Southern-style. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or warm cornbread.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, preserving recipes that reflect generations of family cooking traditions.

Old Style Liver & Onions represents the cookbook’s collection of traditional, budget-friendly meals prepared with simple ingredients and familiar Southern flavors.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Old Style Liver & Onions recipe appears on page 99 of The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional Black Foodie recommendations.