Chicken Liver Sarma Recipe - Authentic Bulgarian Dish

Chicken Liver Sarma

Chicken Liver Sarma Recipe - Authentic Bulgarian Dish
Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Liver Sarma
Chicken Liver Sarma

Chicken Liver Sarma is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken livers with flavorful rice and a creamy yogurt topping for a dish that is sure to impress.

History

Chicken Liver Sarma is a traditional dish that originated in the Middle East and has since spread to other parts of the world. It is a popular dish in many cultures and is often served at celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or Gas Mark 4. Place the stock and rice in a saucepan, bring to a boil while stirring, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the chicken livers and sauté for about 3 minutes or until they are no longer pink.
  3. Add the spring onions, pepper, salt, and cumin. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Drain the rice, but leave it slightly wet. Add the rice to the chicken livers and mix well.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a large, shallow baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, flour, and yogurt together. After the cooking time, pour the mixture over the rice and liver mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until it is browned.
  7. Serve immediately with extra yogurt on the side.

Variations

  • You can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is slightly wet before adding it to the chicken livers. This will help the rice absorb the flavors of the dish and prevent it from becoming dry.

- Sautéing the chicken livers before adding the other ingredients helps to seal in their juices and keep them tender.

- Be sure to beat the eggs, flour, and yogurt together well to ensure a smooth and creamy topping for the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Liver Sarma can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the chicken livers before baking helps to seal in their juices and keep them tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef liver instead of chicken livers in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the yogurt topping and refrigerate it overnight. Simply add the topping and bake before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Liver Sarma pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Liver Sarma contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Liver Sarma contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Liver Sarma contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Liver Sarma contains approximately 25g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken liver is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat flour.

Summary

Chicken Liver Sarma is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a good source of iron and vitamin A.

Summary

Chicken Liver Sarma is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With tender chicken livers, fragrant rice, and a creamy yogurt topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Liver Sarma. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sara for a cup of tea. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she suddenly pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box.

"I have to show you this amazing recipe I learned from my grandmother," Sara said excitedly. "It's for Chicken Liver Sarma, a traditional dish from our homeland."

I peered over her shoulder as she read out the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for chicken livers, rice, onions, garlic, and a variety of aromatic spices. The livers were to be sautéed with the onions and garlic, then rolled up in cabbage leaves and simmered in a savory tomato broth. It sounded both exotic and delicious.

Sara explained that Sarma was a dish often served at special occasions and family gatherings back in our homeland. It was a labor of love, requiring patience and skill to roll up each individual parcel of goodness. But the reward was a dish that was rich, flavorful, and comforting.

I was captivated by the idea of making Chicken Liver Sarma myself. I had always been drawn to the culinary traditions of my ancestors, and this recipe felt like a connection to my roots. Sara generously shared the recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

The next day, I set to work gathering the ingredients for the Chicken Liver Sarma. I carefully washed the cabbage leaves and chopped the onions and garlic. The scent of the spices filled my kitchen as I sautéed the livers, and I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.

Rolling up the Sarma was a meticulous process, but one that I found surprisingly therapeutic. Each leaf was filled with a generous spoonful of the liver mixture, then carefully folded and tucked into a neat little bundle. I arranged the parcels in a large pot, poured over the tomato broth, and let them simmer gently on the stove.

As the aroma of the Sarma filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but think of all the hands that had passed down this recipe through the generations. Each cook had added their own twist, their own touch of love, to the dish. And now it was my turn to carry on that tradition.

When the Sarma was finally ready, I served it up on a large platter, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. The flavors were rich and complex, the livers tender and savory. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the taste of home.

From that day on, Chicken Liver Sarma became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to my heritage and a sense of pride in carrying on a culinary tradition that had been passed down through the ages.

I often think back to that warm summer day in Sara's kitchen, when I first learned the recipe for Chicken Liver Sarma. It was a moment of discovery and connection, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and keep us rooted in our past.

And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I hope that they too will feel the same sense of wonder and amazement that I felt all those years ago. For in the humble Chicken Liver Sarma lies a story of tradition, love, and the enduring power of food to nourish both body and soul.

Categories

| Bulgarian Meat Dishes | Bulgarian Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Rice Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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