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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to blend spices into the fat.
- 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.
- Brush the skewers generously with the tomato butter sauce. Place skewers on the grilled pita. Drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- 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.