Recipe Details
Mock Chopped Liver With Green Beans and Walnuts
Published December 18, 2025
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
1 cup roughly chopped walnut pieces
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium white onions, diced (≈6 cups total; key for deep caramelization—fry until mahogany)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¾ pound green beans, trimmed and halved crosswise (or substitute as noted)
1 small zucchini (≈⅓ pound), cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
Crackers or challah bread, for serving
For non-vegan variation: Add 4 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and chopped) to the food processor.
For lentil variation: 1 cup cooked brown lentils (prepared separately).
Preparation
1. Toast Walnuts
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and dry-toast, stirring every 30 seconds for 5–6 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Reduce heat if walnuts darken too quickly to prevent burning. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
2. Caramelize Onions
In the same skillet, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add onions, season with salt/pepper, and sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes (softened). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 10–15 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until onions reach a deep mahogany hue (critical for rich flavor).
3. Cook Vegetables
Add green beans and zucchini to the skillet. Season again with salt/pepper, then cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until green beans are tender-crisp and onions are fully caramelized.
4. Process into Mock Chopped Liver
Transfer the cooked mixture and toasted walnuts to a food processor. Pulse in short bursts (2–3 seconds) until chunky (not puréed). Season generously with salt/pepper; taste and adjust.
5. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with dill, and rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Serve with crackers/challah.
Storage: Make up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate, and garnish with dill before serving.
Reader Tips & Variations
Pea Substitution: Replace green beans with 1 (14-oz) can drained baby peas (e.g., LeSeur) for authentic flavor and reduced work.
Lentil Twist: Use 1 cup cooked brown lentils (simmer ½ cup dry in 1½ cups water) instead of green beans.
Non-Vegan Upgrade: Add 4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped) to the food processor for richness.
Texture & Depth: For deeper flavor, use 3 onions and caramelize to mahogany; add a dash of white pepper (per user feedback).
Reader Feedback Highlights:
“Fooled people thinking it was the real thing—vegan and vegetarian family loved it.”
“LeSeur baby peas are a game-changer; no zucchini needed.”
“Added a dash of white pepper—fantastic with tinned peas!”
Note: Adjust onion quantity based on preference (more onions = deeper flavor).