Chicken Giblet Risotto Base Recipes

RISOTTO WITH GIBLETS

Steps:

• Trim the livers, cutting away any connective pieces and any dark spots. Cut into large bite-sized pieces, keeping the lobes in tact as much as possible. Refrigerate until needed. Trim the chicken hearts of fat.
• Trim all the fat, connective tissue, and gristle from the gizzards, leaving just the meaty parts.
• Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 of the onions, the carrots, and the celery and sauté until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and the gizzards and hearts and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the wine and let it bubble up in the pan. When it is reduced by half, add enough of the broth to barely cover the gizzards and hearts (about 2 cups). Simmer over low heat until tender, about 1 hour or so. Remove the giblets from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a cutting board, and chop coarsely. Set the giblets aside.
• Pour the remaining broth (about 5 cups) into a saucepan and bring to a simmer; adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining diced onion and sauté until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the rice and stir until opaque, about 3 minutes. Add a ladleful (about 1 cup) of the simmering broth and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the broth is absorbed. Reduce the heat and continue to add the broth a ladleful at a time, waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next, until the rice kernals are al dente at the center and creamy on the outside, 18 to 20 minutes in all.
• Meanwhile, cook the chicken livers: If you want to keep this kosher, broil the livers until cooked through. If not, you may sauté them in a separate pan in olive oil until golden on the outside and still pink at the center. Season with salt and pepper and set aside; keep warm.
• Just before the rice is ready, stir in the giblets and tomatoes and warm through. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and garnish with the chicken livers. Serve immediately

GRANDMA RITA'S RISOTTO

Steps:

• Boil gizzards in a small pot of water for 10 minutes. Drain and let cool and clean. Blend in food processor or blender until pieces are very small.
• Simmer chicken broth in separate pot, keeping it hot.
• Heat oil (medium heat) in a large saucepan. Add onions. Season with salt and pepper, and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add gizzards, tomato paste and water. Season again with salt and pepper and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Add rice and stir to coat. Add 1 cup of hot chicken broth. When the stock is absorbed into the rice, add 1 more cup (remember to stir the rice constantly during this process). Repeat until all broth is absorbed and the rice is tender. Add more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve with Parmesan.

CHICKEN GIBLETS OR LIVERS

Steps:

• Fry the giblets and/or livers in the olive oil until brown.
• Add the spices and seasonings and stir well.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic. Fry for 5 minutes.
• Add wine and simmer gently until cooked.
• If you are cooking giblets only, a little water may be added if necessary.