Overview of Chicken Hearts:
Chicken hearts are small, protein-rich organ meats that are a delicacy in many cuisines worldwide. They have a firm texture and a slightly gamey taste, which becomes tender and flavorful when cooked properly. They are versatile and can be grilled, stir-fried, stewed, or even used in soups.
Health Benefits of Chicken Hearts:
- Rich in Protein: High-quality protein supports muscle growth and repair.
- Iron Source: Helps prevent anemia and improves oxygen transport in the blood.
- High in Vitamin B12: Boosts energy levels and supports nerve health.
- Zinc Content: Strengthens the immune system and promotes wound healing.
- Low in Fat: Contains healthy fats that can support heart health when eaten in moderation.
- Selenium: Protects against oxidative stress and supports thyroid health.
- Taurine: Aids in cardiovascular health and overall cellular function.
Nutritional Value of Chicken Hearts (per 100g, cooked):
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Iron: 5.9mg (33% of the daily recommended intake)
- Vitamin B12: 7.3µg (305% of the daily recommended intake)
- Zinc: 4mg (36% of the daily recommended intake)
- Selenium: 44µg (80% of the daily recommended intake)
Taste Profile:
Chicken hearts have a mild yet slightly gamey flavor. Their texture is chewy, tenderizing with slow cooking or when marinated and grilled.
General Ways to Eat Chicken Hearts:
- Grilled or Skewered: Marinated and cooked on skewers.
- Stir-fried: Cooked with vegetables and spices.
- In Stews or Curries: Braised for a tender finish.
- Deep-fried: Breaded and fried for a crispy exterior.
- Soup: Added to broths for depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Grilled Chicken Hearts (Base Recipe)
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt: To taste
- Skewers: As needed
Steps:
- Prepare Hearts: Clean the chicken hearts, removing excess fat or connective tissue. Rinse and pat dry.
- Marinate: Mix olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, pepper, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken hearts and marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Set up the grill or preheat a grill pan over medium heat.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken hearts onto skewers.
- Grill: Cook on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and slightly charred.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or squeeze lemon juice over the hearts before serving.
5 Indian Recipes with Chicken Hearts:
1. Chicken Heart Masala
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Onion (chopped): 2 large
- Tomatoes (chopped): 2 large
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Oil: 3 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh coriander leaves: For garnish
Steps:
- Heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste; cook until raw smell disappears.
- Add spices, followed by tomatoes; cook to form a thick masala.
- Add chicken hearts; stir and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander and serve with rice or roti.
2. Chicken Heart Biryani
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice: 2 cups
- Chicken hearts: 300g
- Onion (sliced): 2
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Biryani masala: 2 tsp
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Saffron-infused milk: 1/4 cup
- Ghee: 3 tbsp
- Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon): 1 tsp
- Salt: To taste
Steps:
- Cook rice with whole spices; set aside.
- Fry onions in ghee until golden; add chicken hearts and ginger-garlic paste.
- Mix in yogurt, biryani masala, and salt.
- Layer cooked rice and heart masala in a pot; drizzle with saffron milk.
- Cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
3. Chicken Heart Curry
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Coconut milk: 1 cup
- Curry leaves: 10
- Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
- Green chilies: 3
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
Steps:
- Sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies in oil.
- Add chicken hearts, turmeric, and coriander powder.
- Pour coconut milk; simmer until hearts are tender.
- Serve with appam or rice.
4. Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Hearts
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Garlic (minced): 5 cloves
- Green chilies (sliced): 4
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Pepper powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
Steps:
- Heat oil and fry garlic and chilies.
- Add chicken hearts; stir-fry on high heat.
- Season with soy sauce, pepper, and salt.
- Serve as a starter or side.
5. Chicken Heart Pakora
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 400g
- Besan (chickpea flour): 1 cup
- Rice flour: 2 tbsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
- Oil: For deep frying
Steps:
- Mix besan, rice flour, and spices.
- Coat chicken hearts with the batter.
- Deep-fry until golden brown.
5 Non-Indian Recipes with Chicken Hearts:
1. Peruvian Grilled Anticuchos
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Aji Panca paste: 2 tbsp
- Vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Salt: To taste
Steps:
- Marinate chicken hearts with all ingredients for 4 hours.
- Skewer and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side.
2. Brazilian Chicken Heart Skewers
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 500g
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
Steps:
- Marinate hearts with spices, lemon juice, and oil.
- Skewer and cook on a grill.
3. Japanese Yakitori
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 300g
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tbsp
- Sake: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
Steps:
- Marinate chicken hearts in a soy sauce mixture.
- Skewer and grill, brushing with marinade.
4. Heart Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 400g
- Bell peppers (sliced): 2
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
Steps:
- Stir-fry garlic and vegetables in sesame oil.
- Add hearts and soy sauce; cook for 5-6 minutes.
5. Portuguese Feijoada with Chicken Hearts
Ingredients:
- Chicken hearts: 400g
- Black beans: 1 cup
- Onion (chopped): 1
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Smoked sausage: 100g
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Steps:
- Sauté garlic, onion, and sausage in oil.
- Add hearts, beans, and tomato paste; simmer until tender.