Gizzard, in Portuguese ‘moelas’. Where to start? They are part of bird’s digestive system, where food is processed, just before coming out on the other end, if I make myself clear. In Portugal is cooked with wine and tomato to make a snack, and is also used in other dishes. I adapted the famous ‘moelas’ by using shiitake mushrooms and the result was great! It makes an excellent starter as well, with some bread on the side.
Time: 1h
Type: snack/ starter
Difficulty: 1 pan
Makes: 4 individual portions
What you need:
250g fresh shiitake mushrooms
150ml red wine
1 small onion (any), chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 crushed bay leaves
1tbsp olive oil
100ml tomato passata
salt to taste
a little water
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Utensils:
knife and chopping board
1 bowl
1 pan
measuring jug
Directions:
Prepare mushrooms by washing and cutting them in half;
Place mushrooms in a bowl, and toss with chopped garlic, shredded bay leaves, salt and red wine. Let it sit for about 30 minutes;
Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the chopped onion for about 3 minutes; add mushrooms and fry for another 3 minutes;
Add tomato passata and a little water, cover pan and let it simmer in low heat for about 15 minutes;
Mix chopped parsley and let it cook for another 3 minutes; add more salt if necessary;
Serve while warm with some bread.
Plant Based Portuguese 