Like most people, we have differing views on offal. Some eat it, others will not even consider it. Some give exception only to fois gras, others define it as liver by another name. Some will be very selective and partake of a few, and squeal in disdain that others will eat the rest. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
The term “offal” is British in usage, and refers to variety meats that are not categorized in the conventional cuts. These include organs, entrails and extremities and are used both in cooking and in sausage making. This category includes brains,, cheeks, intestines (chitterlings), stomach (tripe) feet (trotter), ankles, tail, testicles, lungs (lights), liver,bone marrow, spleen (melt), thymus and pancreas (sweetbreads), tongues, ears and snout.
While the Chef will taste everything, he does not fancy all offal. It’s the Jamaican Rastaman in him. He makes exceptions for fois gras and oxtail, the latter being his favourite home-cooked dish but this one was not going to fly. Funny enough, when I picked up the chicken livers in the supermarket saying I wanted to test and blog different recipe for other than the traditional Jamaican route, he suggested this. Even so, I knew better than to force him to eat it. He will be gracious in other people’s homes, but in his, he knows he is king. So this dish was a solo dish cooked on one of those days when I wanted an unconventional solo treat free from his turned up nose.
I adapted, fusing the original Malaysian recipe by Charmaine Solomon, in “The Complete Asian Cookbook.” with Jamaican flavours. No matter how I cook it, chicken livers remind me of my childhood because liver, chicken, rice and mac and cheese were the few things my mother had no problems feeding me. In fact, I would often ask for them! It seemed perfect to set the scene in a warm tropical setting reminiscent of both the lush Asia and Jamaica. Paired with Roasted Ripe Plantains and Balsamic & Allspice Pickled Beets, you are really in for a gastronomic treat!
Spiced braised chicken livers
Ingredients:
500g chicken livers
3 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, finely sliced
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 slice scotch bonnet/habanero pepper (without seeds)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger(substitute with ginger paste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt ground black pepper
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1 stalk sliced green onions
Method:
Some prefer to slice and trim the livers, but I really do not like handling it in the raw state so I bypassed that step. Saute onions, garlic, ginger, spices over medium heat until translucent and on the brink of caramelization. Add chicken livers and stir frequently. Add soy sauce and water and cover and let simmer on low heat for about 7 minutes just until the liver is no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcook because it will get tough and dry. Serve hot. Serves 3.
ROASTED RIPE PLANTAINS
Ingredients:
3 small ripe plantains (1 per person)
Method:
Stick one or two shallow holes with a knife through the skin into each un-peeled plantain. Wrap each in foil paper and place in oven for about 30 minutes at 140C. When cooked, the knife will pierce easily. Carefully open foil and allow steam to escape. Peel the plantain. If you do not know how, see tutorial here. Slice in three and serve hot. Plate with Balsamic & Allspice Pickled Beets and Chicken Livers and eat all three together for a salty, sweet, and sour combination that will make you sing!
This is a dish I would try. My mom used to fry chicken livers and also use them in her rice dressing . This would also be a dish that only i would try. Great presentation.
Oooh Sandra that sounds delicious! Sounds like you are indeed you mother’s daughter 🙂 I guess there is just somethings that we women have to keep for ourselves 🙂
I just took an offal class on the weekend. I loved trying some new ones (for me) beef heart tartare, pigs ears in vinaigrette and a few others. Your plate looks delicious! The beets must cut the richness of the livers perfectly…theresa
Now THAT is a class that will add dollars to your grocery savings and excitement about a whole new look at meat! You hit the nail on the head about the pickled beets cutting the richness of the chicken livers!
This is great Kari! BTW I love livers, I never made them like in your post, but I can actually taste the flavours just reading it and can tell this will come out delicious. I am defo giving it a go 🙂
your pictures are beautiful and the amount of light puts me in an energetic mood, they make me want to cook, eat and cook some more!! Fabulous job.
Thanks a lot Dima! You should give it a go. I also love the Arabic style of chicken livers on your blog and will try that one next!
I’m passing this recipe along to my mother. She’ll love the entire plate, especially the livers and beets!
Oh I love to hear this! Love that relationship you have with your mother. So nice that you are always passing on recipes you know she will like and we are thrilled that we can please her palate 🙂
I love plantains… So glad to know its a part of jamaican cuisine too!!!Loved the pics and write up!
To be honest, neither one of us grew up on offal of any kind. That doesn’t mean they aren’t tasty, but it does take a little something to convince some to eat them. Love the plantains on the side. That adds a nice sweet touch to each bite.
I have never tried offal before, but I definitely have no problem doing so. This looks delicious and I love that you paired it with plantains.
Cheers,
Tammy & Catherine
liver? hmmmmm. i am inclined to agree with the chef:-) however, it looks nice though. really good presentation…and i would eat the plantains.
Just wanted to say Happy New Year! 😀
Thanks love! And all the best to you too… so happy you visited 🙂
Love your recipe. Everything looks delicious.
Never really liked eating chicken liver, too soft but this really looks attractive, will definitely try this recipe. Good luck Kari