Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish

Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish Recipe

Region / culture: Barbados | Preparation time: 4-24 hours | Cooking time: 12-15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Caribbean cuisine to your table. This recipe combines the succulent taste of pork chops marinated in a mix of spices and lime juice, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing black bean relish. The relish, with its blend of beans, vegetables, and a hint of heat, complements the pork beautifully, making this dish a delightful culinary experience.

History

The origins of Barbados Chops can be traced back to the Caribbean island of Barbados, where the fusion of African, Portuguese, Indian, Irish, and British culinary influences has created a unique and rich food culture. This recipe is a modern interpretation of traditional Barbadian flavors, incorporating ingredients like allspice and hot pepper sauce that are staples in Caribbean cooking. Over time, it has evolved and been adapted by chefs and home cooks around the world, each adding their own twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

4 pork chops, 1.5 inches thick
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
2 tsp finely chopped green olives
0.5 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced
1 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp ground allspice
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can black beans, rinsed and drained
0.5 red bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp cider vinegar
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp hot pepper sauce
3 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to prepare

1. Place vegetable oil, garlic, jalapeño, thyme, allspice, and lime juice in a large self-sealing bag. Mix thoroughly and add pork chops. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
2. For the relish, heat olive oil in a small sauté pan. Sauté the onion until tender, about 4 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the sautéed onion, black beans, and remaining ingredients. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for one hour to let the flavors blend. Refrigerate for longer storage.
4. Prepare a medium-hot fire in a kettle-style grill.
5. Remove the chops from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
6. Grill the chops for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.
7. Serve with the black bean relish.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork chops with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks. You can also experiment with different beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, in the relish for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the pork chops are juicy and flavorful, marinate them for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. When grilling, avoid flipping the chops too frequently; this allows for a nice char and seals in the juices. For the black bean relish, let it sit at room temperature for an hour before serving to enhance the melding of flavors. If you prefer a milder relish, adjust the amount of jalapeño and hot pepper sauce to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled pork chops with a generous portion of the black bean relish on the side. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed rice or roasted sweet potatoes and a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the recommended cooking technique for the pork chops to achieve a smoky flavor and appealing grill marks. However, if grilling is not an option, pan-searing the chops in a hot skillet is a suitable alternative.

Ingredient Substitutions

If green olives are not available, capers make a good substitute in the marinade. Apple cider vinegar can be replaced with white wine vinegar or lime juice in the relish for a similar acidic balance.

Make Ahead Tips

The black bean relish can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The pork chops can be marinated overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more intense taste.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chops and relish on a platter garnished with lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the relish before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Rosé pairs beautifully with the flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling limeade complements the tangy and spicy notes of the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pork chops and relish can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chops gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, and bring the relish to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a moderately caloric dish, suitable for those managing their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the black beans in the relish. A serving of this recipe provides approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Black beans are a great source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Fats

This recipe contains healthy fats from the olive oil used in both the marinade and the relish. The pork chops also contribute to the fat content, with a total of about 15 grams of fat per serving. The use of vegetable oil for grilling adds a minimal amount of additional fat.

Proteins

Pork chops are an excellent source of high-quality protein. A single serving of Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish provides roughly 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building component of your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of ingredients used. Black beans are a good source of iron and magnesium, while the red bell pepper and cilantro in the relish provide vitamin C and vitamin A. The pork chops contribute B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with specific food sensitivities should check the ingredients list carefully, especially for the hot pepper sauce, to ensure it meets their dietary needs.

Summary

Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal plan.

Summary

Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish is a delightful dish that brings the taste of the Caribbean to your dining table. With its combination of juicy, marinated pork chops and a vibrant, flavorful relish, it's a recipe that's sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends, this dish offers a delicious and satisfying option.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to the Caribbean where I had the most incredible meal at a small seaside restaurant in Barbados. The flavors were so vibrant and the combination of spices and fresh ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As soon as I got home, I knew I had to try and recreate the dish. I spent hours researching and experimenting in the kitchen, trying to decipher the flavors and techniques that made the dish so special. After many failed attempts and countless hours of trial and error, I finally managed to come up with a recipe that was as close to the original as possible.

I learned that the key to the dish was the marinade for the chops. It was a blend of Caribbean spices, citrus juices, and a touch of sweetness that really brought out the flavors of the meat. I marinated the chops overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with a delicious blend of flavors.

The black bean relish was another element that really elevated the dish. It was a mix of black beans, peppers, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices that added a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish. The combination of the savory chops and the tangy relish was truly a match made in culinary heaven.

As I cooked the dish for the first time, I was transported back to that cozy seaside restaurant in Barbados. The aroma of the spices and the sizzle of the chops on the grill filled my kitchen, and I knew that I had truly captured the essence of the dish.

I served the Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish to my family that evening, and their reactions were priceless. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate the flavors of the Caribbean so perfectly. The dish quickly became a family favorite, and I knew that it would be a recipe that I would cherish and pass down for generations to come.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, always with a sense of pride and joy. Each time I make the dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Barbados and the sense of discovery and accomplishment that I felt when I first created it.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that moment and the many memories that have been created around this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to discover the magic of Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this dish is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that I find in the kitchen.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this dish and that they will feel the same sense of anticipation and excitement that I felt when I first discovered the recipe. It is a reminder that food has the power to transport us to different times and places, and that the act of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones is truly a gift.