Chicken and Liver Stir-fried Noodles

Instant Noodles, as contentiously unhealthy as it has been branded, is still a staple in many Nigerian homes. What makes the difference to this ‘unhealthy’ meal is what you add to it, especially when making it for growing children. Adding enough proteins and vitamins turns it into a better and healthy meal.

Chicken is a good source of protein and liver contains a significant amount of protein, as well as essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Vegetables are also rich in vitamins and phytonutrients, which helps the body work properly and fight diseases as well. Therefore, eating noodles with the addition of these nutritionally rich accompaniments makes it a good, healthy and kid-friendly meal to serve.

My chicken and liver stir-fried noodles is made without the seasoning pack that comes with noodles. I personally don’t like it but if you do, then you may have to adjust or do away with the ones on the ingredients list.

Chicken and Liver Stir-fried Noodles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 or 2 packs instant noodles
• ¼kg chicken breast (sliced thinly or cubed)
• ¼ kg cow liver (sliced thinly or cubed)
• 1 medium onions (sliced thinly)
• 1 large carrot (grated or shredded)
• A handful cut green beans
• 1/4 each of green, red and yellow bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• Small chunk ginger (crushed)
• 2 tsps all-purpose Seasoning
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 dsp curry powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps + 1 tsp vegetable or olive oil
• 3-4 cups of water

Method:

1. Season the shredded chicken and liver with garlic,thyme, ginger, little salt and a teaspoon of oil. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Boil water and cook noodles till it is soft. Pour the noodles in a sieve and keep aside to drain thoroughly. (Note: I don’t use the seasoning pack that comes with the noodles. If you prefer to use it, then you may have to do away with the ones on the ingredients list).
3. Put a dry pan on heat and pour the oil. Once heated, add the onions to fry with the marinated chicken and liver. Keep stirring to to cook completely well. Taste or cut with a knife to ensure it is cooked but it should take up 7-10 minutes.
4. Add the green beans, carrot, bell peppers and remaining seasonings to cook with the meat. The moisture from the meat will help it to cook properly. Allow to simmer for about a minute or two.
5. Stir in the drained noodles and combine well. Check for taste and allow to simmer for a minute.
6. Remove from heat and serve.

Liver is a very nutritious addition to your baby’s food. You can make a liver and vegetable sauce puree using the recipe above  but doing away with the seasonings. Artificial seasonings and salt are not recommended for baby’s tender organs. You can spice up with ground crayfish, ground dried fish, thyme, scent leaves (basil, nchuanwu, effirin), curry leaves and other naturally spices. Puree the  liver and vegetables, then add to baby’s mashed food…pasta, rice, potatoes, yam, beans etc

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