# Fwied bil-Basal (Liver with Onions)

Source: https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/fwied-bil-basal/

A traditional Maltese liver dish cooked quickly with onions, garlic, wine, and parsley. Simple, rich, and deeply savoury.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Tags: offal, beef, maltese-classic, traditional, quick-meal, main-course, onions



## Ingredients

Measures: **1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml.** For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our [guide to Maltese ingredients abroad](/maltese-ingredients-abroad/).



- 600g calf or lamb liver, sliced

- 3 tbsp olive oil

- 3 large onions, thinly sliced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 100ml red or white wine

- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice

- Small handful fresh parsley, chopped

- Salt and black pepper to taste


## Instructions

1. **Cook the onions**: Heat the olive oil in a wide pan. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

2. **Add garlic**: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. **Cook the liver**: Increase the heat, add the liver slices, and cook quickly for 1-2 minutes per side.

4. **Deglaze**: Add the wine and simmer briefly. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. **Serve**: Serve immediately while the liver is still tender.

Fwied bil-Basal is a traditional Maltese liver dish cooked with plenty of onions, garlic, wine, and parsley. It is quick, economical, and richly flavoured.

## Serving Suggestions

- Serve with Maltese bread
- Pair with mashed potatoes or patata l-forn
- Add a sharp salad or pickles
- Eat immediately after cooking

## Traditional Notes & Tips

- Do not overcook liver or it becomes tough
- The onions should be soft and sweet
- A little vinegar or lemon balances the richness
- Calf liver is milder; lamb liver is stronger
- Slice the liver evenly so it cooks quickly





## Serve with or cook next

- [Patata l-Forn (Maltese Roast Potatoes)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/patata-l-forn/): Serve roast potatoes alongside the liver and onions.

- [Laħam taċ-Ċanga fuq il-Fwar (Maltese Simmered Beef)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/laham-tac-canga-fuq-il-fwar/): Try gently simmered beef with garlic and parsley for a different meat dish.

- [Kirxa (Maltese Tripe Stew)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/kirxa/): Explore another offal recipe, allowing time for a slow tripe stew.