Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Flavorful: The gizzards are marinated and cooked to perfection, while the sweet plantains provide a balance of flavor.
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Versatile: It can be served as a standalone dish or as a side with rice or fufu.
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Satisfying: This dish combines protein and vegetables in one delicious meal.
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Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a great dish for parties or family gatherings due to its bold flavors and hearty portions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Gizzards (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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Ripe plantains (sliced)
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
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Tomatoes (blended)
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Onion (chopped)
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Red bell pepper (chopped)
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Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for spice)
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Garlic (minced)
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Ginger (minced)
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Curry powder
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Thyme
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Chicken or beef broth (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Gizzards: Wash the gizzards thoroughly and place them in a pot. Add water, salt, thyme, and a little bit of curry powder. Boil for about 30-40 minutes until the gizzards are tender.
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Fry the Gizzards: Heat oil in a frying pan. Once hot, add the boiled gizzards and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
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Fry the Plantains: In the same pan, fry the sliced plantains until they are golden brown and tender. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In another pan, heat a little oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Fry until fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the blended tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes are fully cooked. Add a little chicken or beef broth if needed for extra flavor.
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Combine Everything: Add the fried gizzards and plantains to the tomato sauce, stirring to coat. Let everything cook together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and curry powder to taste.
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Serve: Serve hot with rice, fufu, or enjoy on its own.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add extra scotch bonnet peppers or chili powder for more heat.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the gizzards and add additional vegetables like carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
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Different Protein: If gizzards are not available, you can substitute with chicken, beef, or turkey.
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Baked Version: After frying the gizzards and plantains, you can bake them with the tomato sauce for a slightly healthier take.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Gizdodo can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plantains for Gizdodo?
Yes, frozen plantains can work well if fresh ones are not available. Just ensure they are properly thawed before frying.
What can I serve with Gizdodo?
Gizdodo pairs well with rice, jollof rice, fufu, or boiled yam. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal.
Is Gizdodo spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much scotch bonnet pepper you add. You can adjust the spice to your preference by using less or omitting it entirely.
Can I make Gizdodo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gizzards, plantains, and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
How do I make the gizzards tender?
Boiling the gizzards with seasoning for a sufficient amount of time helps make them tender. You can also add a little vinegar during boiling to help tenderize them.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas for more flavor and texture.
Can I make Gizdodo without frying?
Yes, you can bake the gizzards and plantains instead of frying them for a lighter version of the dish.
How can I make Gizdodo less oily?
If you want to reduce the oil content, consider grilling or baking the plantains and using less oil for frying the gizzards.
Can I substitute the gizzards for another meat?
Yes, you can substitute the gizzards with chicken, beef, or turkey, depending on your preference.
How can I store Gizdodo?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Gizdodo is a flavorful and filling dish that combines the rich taste of fried gizzards with the sweetness of ripe plantains, all cooked in a savory, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a beloved meal in Nigerian cuisine, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty family dinner. Whether served with rice, fufu, or on its own, Gizdodo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
