Nigerian cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, and Gizdodo is a deliciously delightful dish that perfectly exemplifies the various rich Nigerian culinary traditions. While Nigeria has approximately 371 tribes, over 250 ethnic groups, 525 native languages, and various cuisines, some dishes successfully cut across every tribe in Nigeria. Thankfully, Gizdodo is one of those modern additions to the generally accepted Nigerian Cuisine.
Combining succulent pieces of chicken gizzards, vibrant colored red and green bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and the brilliant addition of plantains, Gizdodo is a celebration of flavors and culinary creativity. Even the process of making Gizdodo can be delightful, the aromas floating in the air while preparing this tasty dish will have everyone around you eager for a bite. The only part of making Gizdodo that some might find tedious is the meal prep. If you have the right kitchen equipment for chopping and the like, this will be a smooth ride.
In this article, we will explore the steps to prepare this mouthwatering Gizdodo dish that has become a favorite at social gatherings and Nigerian dining tables.
Utensils/Appliances Needed For Gizdodo
Knife
Cutting Board
Bowls
Spatula
Slotted Serving Scoop
Manual/Electric Chopper
Blender
Air Fryer or Frying Pan
Deep Frying Pan or Cooking Pot
Ingredients For Gizdodo:
500g Chicken Gizzards
4-5 Ripe Plantains (Diced)
Vegetable Oil (Preferred Cooking Oil)
Blended Peppers (2 Red Bell Peppers, 2 Tomatoes, 2 Cloves of Garlic, 1 peeled inch of Ginger, ½ of a Large Onions, & Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper)
Chicken Broth (Optional)
1 Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
1 Onion (Diced, ½ for gizzard prep & ½ for Gizdodo mixture)
Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper (Chopped/According to heat level preference)
1 Tbsp Curry Powder (Optional)
½ Tsp Thyme
Bouillon Cubes or Powder (To Taste)
Salt (To Taste)
Spring Onions (To Garnish)
Instructions For Gizdodo Recipe:
Gather all the ingredients and utensils for your convenience. Clean the gizzards. Cook chicken gizzards in water in a nice-sized pot on medium heat. Season with ½ chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, bouillon cubes or powder, and salt.
While the chicken gizzards are cooking, heat oil in a pan and fry the diced plantains in low to medium heat until golden brown. Remove fried plantains with a slotted serving scoop and set aside in a paper towel-laced colander or bowl. In the same frying pan, add the now tender chicken gizzards to the hot oil until it is well-fried, turning from the current greyish color to golden brown.
While the chicken gizzards are frying, blend peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger to a rough texture by repeatedly pressing on your blender’s pulse button.
In a separate deep frying pan or pot, heat ½ a cup of oil and sauté the chopped onions until translucent and the delicious aroma fills the kitchen. Add the contents of the blender to the sauteed onions in hot oil and stir for even cooking. Add all seasonings, herbs, and spices, and let the roughly-textured blended peppers fry on medium heat. Stir them into the fried stew for an even taste.
Add and mix the fried chicken gizzards into the now-fried pot of stew. Stir well to combine. Add chicken broth or water to create a thick, flavorful sauce and to enable the chicken gizzard to get more tender if necessary. Be careful with over-seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the fried plantains and stir in, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the plantains to absorb the flavors. Turn the stove off when the additional 5 minutes are up.
Garnish the Gizdodo with the chopped green bell peppers, chopped red bell peppers, spring onions, and cilantro for a burst of rich, fresh flavors. Mix in the veggies and cover the pot allowing them cook perfectly by the heat from the other contents of the pot while the stove is still turned off.
Gizdodo is best enjoyed warm, either as a standalone dish or accompanied by white rice, bread, or other preferred side dishes. Whatever you decide, you will find that Gizdodo is one impressive meal that showcases the creativity that goes into Nigerian cuisine.
Nigerian Gizdodo is a culinary masterpiece that brings together some of the best of Nigerian flavors and textures. With its tender and well-seasoned chicken gizzards, sweet plantains, and vibrant peppers, this dish is one of the celebrations of our country’s diverse and rich culinary heritage. Whether served at family dinners or festive occasions, Gizdodo is a winning delicacy that is sure to delight taste buds and leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to savor its exquisite combination of ingredients.
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