Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico! This mouthwatering dish combines the unique texture of green bananas with the rich, savory flavor of chicken gizzards in a tantalizing escabeche style that will make your kitchen come alive with authentic Caribbean flavors. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a recipe that's both exotic and surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green bananas
- 1 pound chicken gizzards
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Garlic, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the chicken gizzards thoroughly under cold running water, removing any excess fat or membrane. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Peel the green bananas and cut them into diagonal slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. Immediately place the banana slices in a bowl of salted water to prevent browning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken gizzards and sauté until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the gizzards from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until they become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain the banana slices and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Return the gizzards to the skillet and pour in the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bananas to become tender.
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Serve hot as a traditional Puerto Rican appetizer or main dish, accompanied by white rice if desired.
Tips
- Banana Selection: Choose firm, green bananas for the best texture. Avoid ripe bananas as they'll become too soft during cooking.
- Gizzard Preparation: Clean the gizzards meticulously and pat them completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Prevent Browning: The salted water trick for banana slices is crucial - it keeps them looking fresh and prevents oxidation.
- Flavor Layering: Sauté ingredients in stages to build depth of flavor. The order matters - gizzards first, then vegetables, then garlic.
- Vinegar Tip: Use a good quality white or apple cider vinegar for the best escabeche flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: While delicious on its own, this dish pairs perfectly with white rice or as a unique appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld overnight.Pro Chef Secret: Don't rush the simmering process - those last 10-12 minutes of low-heat cooking are where the magic happens, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
