Gizzard Stew: An unexpected and budget-friendly delight

Although not as popular as traditional beef, gizzards have a unique place in the kitchen. They are inexpensive, rich in protein, and excellent for braising, making them ideal for stew preparation. Their tender structure impresses with its softness after proper preparation, and the taste of gizzards pairs excellently with aromatic spices. Moreover, this dish is easy to make and more budget-friendly than beef stew.

Even though chicken gizzards rarely catch our attention at the butcher shop, it’s worth picking up this ingredient and making a delicious stew. It is an economical and tasty alternative to beef and a way to introduce new flavours into the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 700 grams of chicken gizzards,
• 1 onion,
• 2 carrots,
• 1 red bell pepper,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste,
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika,
• 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (optional),
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening),
• 480 millilitres of broth (chicken or vegetable),
• 2 bay leaves,
• 4 allspice berries,
• 2 tablespoons oil,
• salt and pepper to taste,
• fresh parsley for garnish.

Gizzards are an excellent choice for braised dishes because, after prolonged cooking, they become soft and tender. Their robust flavour pairs well with rich spices and vegetables. Additionally, they are much cheaper than beef, and the stew made from them is just as delicious and filling.

Preparation:

1. Wash the gizzards thoroughly and cut them into smaller pieces. In a pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic in heated oil, add gizzards, and fry for a few minutes. Add chopped carrots and bell pepper, and braise for a few minutes.
2. Next, add sweet and hot paprika, bay leaves, allspice, and tomato paste. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours until the gizzards are tender.
3. You can thicken the stew with flour dissolved in cold water if it is too thin. Season with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with parsley.

Gizzard stew is a tasty, healthy, and economical alternative to traditional meats. Chicken gizzards are rich in protein and also contain vitamins and minerals beneficial for health. After long braising, they become exceptionally tender, and their robust flavour makes the stew deeply aromatic. This is an excellent dish for cooler days, and it can be served with groats, rice, potatoes, or noodles.

Additional tips:

• If you want the gizzards to be even more tender, you can marinate them in vinegar and spices beforehand.
• Gizzard stew, like many braised dishes, tastes even better the next day. You can also freeze it and reheat it at your convenience.