How to Make Clean Hearts Mtsvadi: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Delight of Clean Hearts Mtsvadi

Mtsvadi, the Georgian skewered meat dish, is a staple of the country's culinary tradition. While many variations exist, one popular and flavorful version features clean hearts, often lamb or beef. This recipe offers a detailed guide to preparing clean hearts mtsvadi, ensuring a tender, juicy, and aromatic dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1.5 lbs clean lamb or beef hearts
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Skewers (metal or wooden)

Preparing the Hearts

1. Clean and Cut: Thoroughly rinse the hearts under cold water. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue. Cut the hearts into 1-inch cubes.

2. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the heart cubes and toss to coat. Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil, mixing well.

3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling and Grilling

1. Skewer: Thread the marinated heart cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, you can use the high heat setting for about 10 minutes, then reduce to medium-high.

3. Grill: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the hearts are cooked through and slightly charred.

4. Rest: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Clean hearts mtsvadi is traditionally served hot, often accompanied by:

• Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and mint add a vibrant touch.
• Bread: Rustic bread for dipping into the flavorful juices.
• Tomato and cucumber salad: A refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the meat.
• Georgian wine: A dry red wine pairs beautifully with the dish.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality lamb or beef hearts for the best results.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooked hearts will become tough and dry. Cook them just until they are cooked through.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more garlic, red pepper flakes, or other spices for extra heat.
• Serve Immediately: Mtsvadi is best served hot and fresh. The flavors diminish as the dish cools.

Enjoy Your Homemade Clean Hearts Mtsvadi

This traditional Georgian dish is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile and tender texture. Embrace the challenge of preparing clean hearts, and you'll be rewarded with a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!