HOW TO PREPARE GIZZARDS THE NIGERIAN WAY(with health benefits)

HOW TO PREPARE GIZDODO GIZZARDS A NIGERIAN MEAL

     This is one of those recipes ''invented'' from excesses or in order to reduce food wastage.

INGREDIENTS
**500 grams, Chicken gizzards
**1 ripe Plantain
**3 large Roma tomatoes (fresh tomatoes)
**2 Habenero pepper (atarodo) (to suit your taste)
**1 red bell pepper (tatashe)(optional)
**1 teaspoonful ground Crayfish(optional)
**1 large onion bulb (cut into 2 halves)
**1 garlic clove/half teaspoon garlic powder(optional)
**Half teaspoon each of Curry and Thyme
 **2 bouillon/stock cubes
**Vegetable oil (enough for frying)

GARNISHING THE MEAL

This garnish gives color to the meal
* 1 green bell pepper (chopped into tiny cubes)
* 1 red bell pepper (chopped into tiny cubes)
* 1 small red onions (chopped into tiny cubes)

PREPARATION OF GIZZARD

* Clean the Gizzards by removing the yellow lining.  Then wash the gizzards with salted water or lemon juice. Scrub well to get rid of any dirt. Then Rinse the gizzards in running water, strain and set aside.
** You can cut the cooked gizzards into smaller bite sizes.
 TIP: If you buy yours prepacked, it is possible that the yellow lining won't be there, so simply wash in salted water or lime/lemon juice, rinse and strain.

1. Place the cleaned gizzards into a pot, pour enough water to half the level of the gizzards. Season with half onion bulb, garlic, one stock cube, thyme, curry and salt to taste. Cook until tender and set aside.

 TIP: Gizzard is a tough meat (a muscle meat to be precise) and most people assume that it does not absorb any of the seasonings while cooking. But I highly recommend that you season the gizzards properly using as much seasoning as you are comfortable with and let the stock dry as it cooks the meat.

2. Next, Cut the plantains into cubes, and fry in hot vegetable oil until brown. Transfer onto a sieve.

TIP: For a healthier option, grill the gizzards in the oven until brown.

3. Chop the tomatoes and peppers and blend coarsely. 
  Heat up some oil, add chopped onions, fry a bit and add the ground crayfish (remember the crayfish is optional). 
  Stir-Fry for 5 seconds and then pour the blended mix into the pot and fry for about 10-15 minutes or until the sour taste is lost. 
 Then add one stock cube and salt to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes. And set aside
TIP: You'll know the sauce is ready when the oil rises to the top of the stew.

4. Add the fried gizzards to the sauce and simmer for 1 minute to soak in the sauce.
 Add the fried plantains, chopped onions, green&red peppers. Mix thoroughly and put off the heat.
 And your meal is ready.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GIZDODO GIZZARDS

1.   It contains vitamin B-12 essential for brain function and formation of red blood cells and DNA.

2.   It contains niacin which aids the improvement of blood circulation in the body.

3.   Eating gizzards helps the increase of mineral consumption.

4.   It contains 88percent of protein which our body uses for formation of new cells and as a source of energy.

5.   It produces energy and keeps your skin and hair healthy.