Chicken Livers with Ibhisto | Lowvelder

Chicken livers with ibhisto is a traditional South African dish that is beloved for its bold flavours and hearty ingredients. Ibhisto, a spicy relish made from onions, chili peppers, and other seasonings, adds a fiery kick to the tender chicken livers.

This dish is not only delicious, but it also showcases the vibrant and diverse cuisine of South Africa, where food is often used as a way to bring people together and celebrate community. Recipe compliments of Homegrown Tastes South Africa.

Ingredients

• 300 g chicken livers, cleaned trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 50 gms flour
• 2 tsp chicken spice
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
• 30ml canola oil or a splash
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 60g butter
• 1-2 fresh chillies, seeded
• 2 tsp paprika or chilli powder
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled & crushed
• ½cup chicken stock
• 1 x 400 g can chopped tomatoes

For the quick pickled vegetables

• 80g vegetables such as carrots, radish, cucumber, onion, cabbage
• 15 ml Rice vinegar (1 Tbsp)
• 30 ml water (2 Tbsp)
• Salt ( about 1 tsp)
• Sugar (about 1 tsp)
• 1 red chilli
• 1/2 tsp coriander seed
• 1 bay leaf

Serve with:

• Roasted vine tomatoes if available
• Fresh bread
• Fresh herbs such as coriander, spring onion or parsley

Method

1. Pat chicken livers dry using kitchen paper and season with fine salt & pepper.
2. Combine the flour and chicken spice. Coat the chicken livers in the flour.
3. Heat the canola oil in a pan over a medium heat then add the butter. Fry the chicken livers until golden brown. Remove the chicken livers from the pan and fry the onions, garlic and paprika.
4. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes and the chicken livers.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve with the roast vine tomatoes, pickled vegetables and fresh bread.