Beyond beef: Savoring the richness of stomach stew

Though not as commonly favoured as traditional beef, stomachs hold a special place in the culinary world. They are an affordable, protein-rich ingredient, perfect for stewing to create a delightful dish. Their delicate texture, when cooked properly, becomes remarkably tender, and their flavour melds harmoniously with aromatic spices. Furthermore, this dish is simpler and more budget-friendly to make than beef stew.

Though poultry stomachs might not often catch your eye at the butcher's, they are well worth picking up for a delectable stew. They provide an economical and tasty alternative to beef, and offer an exciting way to introduce new flavours to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients:

                            
• 1.5 lbs chicken stomachs
• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 1 red pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of hot paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of flour (optional for thickening)
• 1 pint of stock (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 allspice berries
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley to sprinkle

Stomachs are an ideal choice for braising, as extended cooking renders them soft and delicate. Their distinct taste pairs beautifully with rich spices and vegetables. They are also considerably cheaper than beef, while producing a stew that is equally tasty and satisfying.

Preparation:

    
1. Wash the stomachs thoroughly and cut them into smaller pieces. Fry the chopped onion and garlic in heated oil in a pot, then add the stomachs and fry for a few minutes. Add the chopped carrots and pepper, and continue stewing for a few more minutes.
2. Incorporate the sweet and hot paprika, bay leaves, allspice, and tomato puree, pour in the stock, bring to a boil, and let simmer over low heat for approximately 1.5 hours until the stomachs are tender.
3. If the stew is too thin, thicken it by dissolving flour in cold water and adding it to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and serve garnished with parsley.

Stomach stew is a tasty, nutritious, and cost-effective alternative to traditional meats. Chicken stomachs are rich in protein and also contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for health. After being slow-cooked, they achieve a remarkable tenderness, and their unique flavour imparts a deep aroma to the stew. It is an ideal dish for colder days, perfect when served with grains, rice, potatoes, or dumplings.

Additional Tips:

  
• For even softer stomachs, you can marinate them beforehand with a touch of vinegar and spices,
• stomach stew, much like many braised dishes, often tastes even better the next day. It can also be frozen and reheated as needed.