The spleen recipe is one of the traditional, delicious dishes that combines great taste with high nutritional value. The spleen is an important part of the internal organs of animals, and it is rich in proteins essential for muscle building and cell regeneration, in addition to iron, which enhances the production of hemoglobin and helps fight anemia. The spleen also contains vitamin B12, which supports the health of the nervous system, and zinc, which strengthens the immune system.

This recipe is prepared in a special way that ensures a unique flavor and perfect texture. The spleen is cooked in boiling water with onions to add a rich taste, then it is roasted with ghee and spices to obtain a distinctive and crispy flavor. This recipe is an ideal choice for traditional food lovers and also for those who want to try new dishes full of energy and vitality. Enjoy preparing this delicious dish and share it with your loved ones to experience an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients:

1- A piece of spleen 

2- Sliced onions 

3- Water 

4- Ghee 

5- Salt and black pepper to taste

Healthy Ingredient Substitutes:

Ghee: Ghee can be replaced with healthier oils such as olive oil or plant-based butter. Olive oil is an excellent choice as it contains monounsaturated fats, which promote heart health and help lower harmful cholesterol levels.

Salt: Alternatives to regular salt include sea salt or rock salt, which contain additional minerals. They can be used in moderation to enhance flavor while maintaining heart health.

Onion: If you don't like the taste of onion or want to avoid it, you can replace it with garlic, which has significant health benefits such as boosting immunity and promoting heart health.

Preparation Method:

1- Wash the piece of spleen thoroughly under running water. 

2- Place the spleen in a large pot and fill it with boiling water.

3- Add the sliced onions to the pot. 

4- Let the mixture cook on the stove for about 60 minutes until the spleen is completely cooked without cracking. 

5- Allow the spleen to cool slightly, then peel it and cut it into slices. 

6- Heat the ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. 

7- Add the sliced spleen pieces to the ghee and stir until golden brown. 

8- Add salt and black pepper to taste. 9- Serve the cooked spleen with rice or bread. Enjoy!

Preparation Tips:

To prepare the spleen perfectly and maintain its unique flavor and texture, here are some important tips:

1. Ensure the spleen is cooked without cracking: After placing the spleen in boiling water, make sure it's not cooked at too high a temperature. It's best to cook it on medium or low heat for about 60 minutes. It's important to monitor it to ensure it cooks well without cracking.

2. Cool the spleen before peeling: After boiling the spleen, it's best to let it cool slightly before peeling, as it will be easier to handle and won't crumble easily.

3. Even browning: When browning the spleen in ghee, make sure to stir the slices continuously to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and achieve a crispy texture.

Dish Variety:

You can serve the spleen with other dishes to increase nutritional balance and variety in the meal:

• Soup: Try serving the spleen with vegetable soup or spicy soup. The combination of spleen and soup makes for a nutritious and balanced meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: The spleen can be served with a side of grilled vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes. This will add color and variety to your meal.

• Rice or Bread: Rice or bread are ideal accompaniments for the spleen, making the meal rich and well-balanced.

Additional Notes:

1- You can add minced garlic cloves to the ghee before adding the spleen for extra flavor. 

2- To enhance the taste, you can add some spices like cumin or ground coriander while cooking the spleen. 3- For a touch of acidity and freshness, try adding lemon juice when serving the spleen.

Note: This recipe is suitable for those who prefer fatty foods high in protein. Therefore, it is advised to avoid it for people with heart problems or high cholesterol. It is also recommended to consult a doctor before consuming it to ensure its suitability for your health condition.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients:

Spleen:

• Rich in protein that promotes muscle building and tissue regeneration.
• High in iron, which helps prevent anemia and improve blood functions.
• An excellent source of vitamin B12, essential for the health of the nervous system.

Onion:

• Contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
• Contributes to enhancing the body's immunity thanks to natural sulfur compounds.
• Supports heart health by lowering harmful cholesterol levels.

Ghee (Animal Fats):

• A source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.
• Contains vitamin D that supports bone and dental health.

Water:

• Helps improve the digestive process and cook the spleen to be tender and delicious.
• Contributes to hydrating the body and enhancing its vital functions.

Salt and Black Pepper:

• Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and promotes digestion.
• Salt balances body fluids, but it is preferable to use it in moderate amounts to avoid high blood pressure.

Potential Risks:

Although the spleen has its benefits, we should be cautious about consuming it in excess, as:

• Animal Fats: The ghee used in cooking the spleen contains high levels of saturated fats, which can negatively affect heart health if consumed excessively.

• Excessive Consumption: Overeating spleen may increase the risk of elevated cholesterol levels in the blood, exposing individuals to cardiovascular diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spleen safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no specific studies confirming harm to pregnant or breastfeeding women from consuming spleen, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before eating it due to its high iron and protein content, which may affect some pregnant women. The spleen can be beneficial if consumed in moderation.

What is the ideal duration to keep the spleen after cooking?

Cooked spleen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month.

Can people with certain conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, eat spleen?

People with high blood pressure or heart problems are advised to avoid excessive consumption of spleen due to its high content of animal fats. As for diabetes patients, spleen should be consumed in moderation, as the proteins in it may affect blood sugar levels.

Can the spleen be prepared in other healthier ways?

Yes, spleen can be prepared in healthier ways such as grilling or boiling instead of frying in ghee. These methods will reduce the amount of saturated fat in the meal and make it healthier.

Does the spleen contain any ingredients that may cause allergies?

The spleen may contain some proteins that could cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those who are allergic to organ meats. It is important to consult a doctor if there is a history of allergies to avoid any complications.

Nutritional Values and Calories:

Spleen (100 grams):

• Calories: Approximately 130 kcal
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Iron: 16 milligrams (about 90% of daily needs)
• Vitamin B12: About 30 micrograms (500% of daily needs)

Onion (100 grams):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 grams
• Fiber: 1.7 grams
• Vitamin C: About 7 milligrams
• Antioxidants: Quercetin and sulfur compounds

Ghee (1 tablespoon - 15 grams):

• Calories: 135 kcal
• Fat: 15 grams (10 grams saturated fat)
• Vitamin D: About 2 micrograms

Water (1 cup):

• Calories: 0
• Contains no nutrients, but is essential for cooking and hydration.

Salt and Black Pepper (Moderate Amount):

• Salt: No calories, but contains sodium.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): 6 kcal, contains piperine beneficial for digestion.

Total Estimated Calories for the Meal:

• Around 300-350 kcal (depending on the amount of spleen and ghee used).