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Ciğer Şiş

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Ciğer Şiş

Ciğer Şiş finds its roots in the city of Edirne, where liver is celebrated with a unique fervor. This dish is traditionally prepared with lamb liver, making it a staple during the fall season when the air turns crisp and families gather around the table. The preparation here reflects the home-style simplicity, focusing on the essential elements that make it a beloved family dish.

Expect a tender and richly flavored skewer, where the liver's robust taste is perfectly balanced by the warming notes of cumin and the subtle sweetness of onions. Generous use of fat ensures a succulent bite, while a careful hand with salt brings everything into harmony. The result is a dish that speaks directly to the senses, offering a satisfying depth of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 600 glamb liver
  • 1onion
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 2 tbspoil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the lamb liver. Cut the 600 g of lamb liver into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place the liver pieces in a bowl and season them with 1 tsp of cumin, fine sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss the liver gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
  2. Peel and grate the onion into a fine pulp. Add the onion pulp to the seasoned liver, mixing well to combine. The onion will add moisture and flavor, helping to tenderize the liver as it cooks. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the liver pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the liver for about 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing each piece to brown deeply. The liver should develop a rich, caramelized crust.
  4. After browning, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the liver to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liver is done when it is tender to the bite and has a slightly firm texture, with no pinkness inside.
  5. Taste a piece of liver for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper if necessary, keeping in mind that the liver should have a well-rounded, savory flavor. Serve the Ciğer Şiş hot, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad, inviting everyone to share in this traditional Turkish dish.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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