Mushroom stew with hearts and gizzards

Mushroom Stew with Chicken Gizzards and Hearts – A Traditional Delight

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to comfort food, mushroom stew with chicken gizzards and hearts is a true feast for the senses. This simple and quick recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly special, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful dish, step by step.

Ingredients:
- 750 g mushrooms (fresh, preferably champignon or pleurotus)
- 500 g chicken gizzards and hearts
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow, for a pop of color)
- 2 large onions
- 1 can of tomatoes (about 400 g)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients - Start by cleaning and washing the chicken gizzards and hearts thoroughly. Boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes until tender. Then, drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Chop the vegetables - While the gizzards and hearts are boiling, peel and chop the onion into julienne or dice, depending on your preference. Remove the seeds from the peppers and slice them into thin strips. Clean and slice the mushrooms.

3. Sauté the onion - In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

4. Add the peppers and mushrooms - Add the peppers to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms. It’s important to let the mushrooms cook well as they will release water. Keep them on the heat until the liquid evaporates.

5. Combine the ingredients - Once the mushrooms have softened, add the boiled gizzards and hearts. Mix well and add the can of tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the stew simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serving - Once the stew is ready, you can serve it warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh herbs. This dish pairs perfectly with polenta or fresh bread that will soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical Tips:
- Choose fresh mushrooms, as their aroma will make a difference. If you want a more sophisticated version, you can try shiitake or porcini mushrooms.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can add a few crushed garlic cloves while sautéing the onion.
- For a spicier version, feel free to add a hot pepper or a bit of cayenne pepper.

Serving suggestion:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top before serving. This detail will add a creamy and rich note to your stew.

This mushroom stew with gizzards and hearts is not only a hearty dish but also a recipe that blends tradition with flavor. Try it and enjoy a family meal full of delicious aromas!