Sautéed bird gizzards

Sauté of Chicken Gizzards

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today we will indulge in a savory and comforting recipe: sauté of chicken gizzards. This recipe is not just an excellent way to prepare a tasty meal, but also an opportunity to explore some culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Gizzards, often overlooked, are a rich source of protein and, when cooked properly, become incredibly tender and flavorful.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken gizzards
- 5-6 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 300 g tomato paste
- 100 ml red wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 large carrot
- 1/2 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (sunflower or olive oil)

Necessary utensils:

- A deep skillet
- A wooden spatula
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A pot with a lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the gizzards:
Start by washing the chicken gizzards well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any residues or impurities. Then, cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

2. Frying the gizzards:
In a deep skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the cut gizzards. Fry them for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn slightly golden. This step is essential for developing flavors.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
While the gizzards are frying, peel and finely chop the onions, carrot, and bell pepper. Once the gizzards are fried, remove them from the skillet and keep the remaining oil in the skillet.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chopped carrot and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften.

5. Adding flour and tomato paste:
Sprinkle the two tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and mix well to combine. This step will help thicken the sauce. After a minute, add the diluted tomato paste with water (about 200 ml) and stir continuously. Let it simmer over low heat for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

6. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the vegetable mixture over the fried gizzards. Add enough water to cover everything (about 300 ml) and let it simmer over low heat, covered, for 40 minutes. This cooking time will make the gizzards tender and allow the sauce to thicken.

7. Finishing the dish:
When the sauce has started to reduce, it’s time to add the red wine (if you choose to use it) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, then add the chopped fresh parsley.

Serving:

The sauté of gizzards is served warm, alongside a generous portion of polenta, which will absorb the delicious sauce and perfectly complement this dish. You can sprinkle a little sheep cheese on top for added flavor!

Helpful tip:

If you want to save time, you can prepare this sauté a day in advance. The flavors will intensify and it will be just as tasty, if not better, the next day.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

The sauté of chicken gizzards is an excellent source of protein, and by adding vegetables, you increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. It is a relatively light meal, with about 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the polenta served alongside.

Possible variations:

If you want to personalize your recipe, you can try adding mushrooms to the sauté or swapping the red wine for a sweeter white wine. You can also experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or herbs, to give your dish a unique twist.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other poultry organs? Yes, you can replace gizzards with hearts or other organs, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in water at the end of cooking.
- What other sides can I use? Besides polenta, this sauté pairs very well with mashed potatoes or rice.

I hope this recipe for sauté of chicken gizzards inspires you to spend time in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!