The kidneys of animals are a commonly consumed
offal.[1] The kidneys can be
grilled,
sautéed,
roasted or
braised.[2] They can be used in cooking
meat casseroles,
stews or
pies.[3] Typically used in cooking are
beef,
veal,
lamb and
pork kidneys.[4][5]Chicken kidneys are used in cooking, too,[6][7] but fowl kidneys are very small and generally not collected to be used in food separately.[5] Veal kidneys are preferred among
cooks.[8] The kidneys of small animals are
grilled or
fried, and the kidneys of larger ones are usually stewed.[9]
The kidneys are intended to be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than one day, but they also can be frozen. Defrosted kidneys are meant to be used as soon as possible.[2] During grilling or frying, kidneys can be overcooked, because they easily dry out.[10] There are different recipes for cooking kidneys including recipes with such ingredients as
potatoes,
onions,
tomatoes,
shallot,
mushrooms or with other
meat.[11]
The kidneys had been used in cooking from ancient times. There is an evidence of cooked kidneys in ancient Egypt.[15] Egyptians supplied tombs of the dead with everything that dead people would need afterlife.[16] The food was found in tombs, too,[16] including cooked kidneys.[17] The poor people usually ate bread and boiled vegetables, while the wealthy people might eat food of animal origin two or three times a day. Cooked kidneys were found in the
Saqqara tomb of female noble among other dishes.[16]