Stewed gizzards was a childhood favorite. Weekend errands at the nearest town with my dad always ended up at the Chinese mart. They sold hops bread with a variety of choices including stewed gizzards. We always enjoyed our hops bread sandwiches with a cold peanut punch or sea moss. Truly memorable days.
BASICS OF A CARIBBEAN STEW
The caramelization process with the brown sugar is the standard for the stewing process in the Caribbean. It imparts a unique flavor to the gizzards. In this process, the sugar is allowed to bubble, froth, expand and darken, after which the seasoned meat is added.
The key to this recipe is both thoroughly cleaning the gizzard with lemon juice to remove the freshness followed by the marination. Marinating with green seasoning infuses the gizzard with Caribbean flavors.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GIZZARDS
Gizzards are also a rich source of nutrients and offer various health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Here are ten health benefits of eating gizzards:
1. High in protein: Gizzards are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissues.
2.Rich in iron: Gizzards are also high in iron, a mineral that is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
3. Good source of vitamin B12: Gizzards are a good source of vitamin B12, which is necessary for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
4. Low in fat: Gizzards are relatively low in fat, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Contains selenium: Gizzards are a good source of selenium, a mineral that has antioxidant properties and helps to protect cells from damage.
5. Promotes cardiovascular health: The nutrients in gizzards may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
6.Supports brain health: Gizzards contain choline, a nutrient that is essential for brain development and function.
7.Boosts metabolism: Gizzards are a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that helps to convert food into energy.
8.Enhances immune system: The high levels of iron, selenium, and vitamin B12 in gizzards can help to strengthen the immune system.
9.Good for bone health: Gizzards are a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that is necessary for bone formation and maintenance.
Gizzards are an excellent choice for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meat dishes.
Try out this gizzard recipe for your next meal and let me know if you enjoyed it.
Serve it with dhal and rice or sada roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Stewed Gizzards
Ingredients
- 2 lbs gizzard
- 3 tablespoons green seasoning
- 1 small onion sliced
- Hot pepper
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 scallion chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt
- Black pepper ground
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 4 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Clean and cut the gizzard into 1 inch pieces. Rinse with the juice of ½ lemon and water. Drain and place in a bowl.
- Season the gizzard with green seasoning, onion, hot pepper, garlic, tomato, scallion, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Marinate overnight or a minimum of 30 mins.
- Heat cooking oil in a small pot over high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and allow it to bubble, froth, expand, and darken.
- Stir in the seasoned gizzard and thyme, cook uncovered for one minute, stirring continuously.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Once the liquid has evaporated, add 1 cup of water or as required and cook until the gizzard is tender enough to your preference.
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A Trinidadian culinary connoisseur sharing recipes from Trinidad and the Caribbean with a modern twist.