Mediterranean-style chicken hearts and gizzards

Delicious recipe for chicken hearts and livers in tomato sauce: a culinary journey full of flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to discover a special recipe that brings together chicken hearts and livers, prepared in a savory tomato sauce, flavored with fresh herbs and spices. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also packed with nutrients, being low in calories, making it perfect for a healthy and tasty meal.

The history of the recipe is closely linked to the tradition of rustic cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into sophisticated dishes through carefully applied cooking techniques. Chicken livers and hearts are usually considered delicacies and are often associated with Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh flavors and quality ingredients are the order of the day.

Necessary ingredients

- 600 g chicken hearts
- 500 g chicken livers
- 2 bell peppers (colored, preferably)
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 large onion
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon
- 10 cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, chopped)
- 100 ml tomato juice (preferably thick)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil (to taste)
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- Dill (fresh, if possible)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 100 ml dry white wine

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Marinating the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken hearts and livers well under cold running water. After cleaning them, place them in a bowl and add finely chopped garlic, chili flakes, salt, pepper, olive oil, and white wine. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the meat, mixing well to combine the flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, chop the onion, bell peppers, and herbs (basil, dill, and oregano). It is essential to use fresh herbs, as they will add a vibrant taste to your dish.

3. Cooking the ingredients
In a large skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chicken hearts along with their marinade. Let them boil over high heat until they turn white (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Adding the livers
After the hearts are cooked, add the livers and mix well. Let them boil together for a few minutes so that the flavors combine. Once the sauce starts to reduce, add the tomato juice and mix.

5. Including the vegetables
Now it’s time to add the chopped bell peppers and green onions. Let everything boil for 2-3 minutes, then add the whole or halved cherry tomatoes. Mix well and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Finalizing the dish
Turn off the heat and add the fresh herbs (basil, oregano, dill) and mix gently. Let the dish cool slightly before serving, so that the flavors can fully develop.

Serving suggestions
This delicacy is served warm, preferably with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. A glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal. You can also add some toasted bread slices to enjoy the delicious sauce!

Useful tips
- If you want a spicier version, you can add more chili flakes or even a bit of chili sauce.
- Instead of cherry tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes, but make sure they are well-ripened to add sweetness to the dish.
- Vary the herbs according to your preferences and the season. Thyme or parsley can be excellent alternatives.

Nutritional benefits
Chicken hearts and livers are excellent sources of protein, vitamins (especially B12), and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. This recipe is also relatively low in calories, with approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the oil used and the chosen side dish.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken hearts and livers with other organs or diced chicken meat, but the cooking time will vary.

- How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on low heat to keep the dish juicy.

- Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, the dish can be cooked a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will intensify and become even more delicious!

In conclusion, this recipe for chicken hearts and livers in tomato sauce represents not only a simple dish but also an opportunity to explore flavors. Experiment with ingredients and techniques, and turn every meal into a celebration of taste! Enjoy your meal!

We wash the livers and hearts and marinate them separately. For the marinade, we use garlic to taste, half a teaspoon of chili flakes, salt, pepper, a tablespoon of olive oil, and dry white wine. We cut the lemon in half and squeeze half a lemon over the livers and hearts. We mix well and let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, we prepare the other ingredients: we chop the onion, bell peppers, and basil. We heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil and add the onion, stirring often. We add the hearts along with their marinade and let them cook on high heat until they turn white, then we add the livers. We let them simmer together, stirring often. When the sauce reduces slightly, we add thick tomato sauce. Then we add the diced bell peppers and chopped green onion. We let it cook for 2-3 minutes, add whole or halved cherry tomatoes, and mix well. After 2-3 boils, we turn off the heat and add the herbs (basil, oregano, dill). We let it cool slightly and add more fresh basil. Serve hot. Enjoy your meal! It is ideal to use fresh herbs (basil, dill, oregano).

 Ingredients: 1 package chicken hearts (about 600 g) 1 package chicken livers (about 500 g) 2 colored bell peppers 1 bunch green onions 1 onion chili flakes 1 lemon 5-6 garlic cloves 10 cherry tomatoes fresh basil white wine 100 ml tomato juice oregano dill salt pepper olive oil

 Tags:  mediterranean-style chicken hearts and gizzards hearts liver chicken mediterranean