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CONFIT CHICKEN GIZZARD SKEWERS WITH RICH TOMATO BUTTER SAUCE & GRILLED PITA

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CONFIT CHICKEN GIZZARD SKEWERS WITH RICH TOMATO BUTTER SAUCE & GRILLED PITA

CONFIT CHICKEN GIZZARD SKEWERS WITH RICH TOMATO BUTTER SAUCE & GRILLED PITA

I rarely face the dilemma of “what to cook today?” — ideas and cravings jump from cuisine to cuisine like a culinary yoyo. For example, yesterday, I wanted to make chicken gizzard skewers, but then thought of the buttery tomato sauce from Iskender kebab. No lamb on hand, so why not combine the two?

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Grill Time: 10 min
🍽️ Servings: 1

Ingredients

Skewers:

  • ½ portion confit chicken gizzards
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Chili flakes (optional)

Tomato Butter Sauce:

  • 1 heaping tsp butter
  • ½ tbsp fat rendered from confit gizzards
  • 1 heaping tsp tomato paste
  • 1 small garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/8 tsp ground cumin
  • Chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp water

To Serve:

  • 1 grilled pita bread
  • 1 tbsp Greek or sheep’s milk yogurt

Instructions

  1. Remove the gizzards from the fat and thread onto skewers (I made 3 skewers—enough for one serving). Season with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired.
  2. Preheat a grill pan on high heat for 5 minutes without oil. Place skewers spaced apart and grill, turning occasionally, until nicely browned. Since gizzards are already cooked (confit), you only need to crisp them up.
  3. While skewers cook, melt butter and rendered fat in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Add crushed garlic and sauté another 30 seconds.
  4. Add cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to blend spices into the fat.
  5. Pour in 2 tablespoons water and add salt to taste. Stir until tomato paste dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat once it starts to boil.
  6. Brush the skewers generously with the tomato butter sauce. Place skewers on the grilled pita. Drizzle remaining sauce on top.
  7. Serve immediately with a generous spoonful of yogurt on the side.

Tip: Prepare the pita ahead following the recipe linked here (variant 1) for six pitas; keep covered until serving.

💡 Tips

  • Use confit gizzards for tender, flavorful meat that crisps beautifully.
  • Tomato butter sauce adds richness and a silky texture.
  • Yogurt balances the flavors with cool creaminess.
  • Grill pita bread for smoky aroma and slight crispness.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Quick, flavorful solo meals
  • Creative twists on traditional dishes
  • Fusion-inspired comfort food

📝 Final Thoughts

This dish blends bold Turkish-Iskender flavors with tender confit gizzards for a unique, satisfying meal. The luscious tomato butter sauce and grilled pita create a perfect harmony that’s easy to prepare and irresistible.