Chili Lime Pork

Chili Lime Pork Recipe with Sweet Potatoes | Delicious and Easy

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 to 1.25 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chili Lime Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the heat of chili powder with the tanginess of lime. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The combination of chili and lime flavors has been popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine for centuries. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic flavors by using them to marinate and roast a pork loin.

Ingredients

1 large oven bag (for oven use only)
1 tbsp flour
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp chili powder
5 tsp grated lime peel (reserve 3 tsp for garnishing if desired)
2.5 lb (1.13 kg) boneless top loin pork roast
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
1 tsp lime juice (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325° F.
Shake flour in an oven bag and place it in a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Combine honey, chili powder, lime peel, and lime juice (optional).
Pat the surface of the pork dry and spread half of the chili mixture evenly over the bottom of the pork.
Add the pork to the oven bag and spread the remaining chili mixture over the top of the pork.
Arrange sweet potatoes around the pork in an even layer inside the bag.
Close the oven bag with a nylon tie and cut six 0.5 inch slits on the top.
Bake for 1 to 1.25 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 160° F.
Slice the pork and spoon the juices over it before serving. Garnish with the remaining lime peel, if desired.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the surface of the pork dry before spreading the chili mixture to ensure that it sticks well.

- Be sure to cut slits in the oven bag to allow steam to escape while cooking.

- Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Lime Pork pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh salad. It can also be served with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the oven bag method to roast the pork, which helps to lock in moisture and flavor. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the pork is tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash instead. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the pork in the chili mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This will help the flavors to develop and infuse into the meat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sliced pork on a platter with the roasted sweet potatoes arranged around it. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chili Lime Pork pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chili Lime Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350° F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chili Lime Pork contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chili Lime Pork contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chili Lime Pork contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chili Lime Pork contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chili Lime Pork is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains honey, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Chili Lime Pork is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Chili Lime Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a perfect balance of heat and tanginess, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were visiting our neighbors, the Johnsons, for a summer barbecue when Mrs. Johnson served us her famous Chili Lime Pork. From the first bite, I was hooked. The tender pork, marinated in a zesty chili lime sauce, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I begged Mrs. Johnson for the recipe, and she was kind enough to share it with me. As she wrote down the ingredients and instructions, I listened intently, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, passed down through generations of our family.

The key to making the perfect Chili Lime Pork, Mrs. Johnson explained, was in the marinade. It was a simple concoction of fresh lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The pork was then marinated in this mixture for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with a delicious tangy kick.

After marinating the pork, it was time to cook it. Mrs. Johnson grilled her pork on an open flame, allowing the meat to char slightly and develop a smoky flavor. As the pork sizzled on the grill, the aroma of the chili lime marinade filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the pork was cooked to perfection, Mrs. Johnson sliced it into thin strips and served it alongside a fresh salad and warm tortillas. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine. The tangy lime paired perfectly with the spicy chili powder, creating a dish that was both bold and refreshing.

I couldn't wait to try making Chili Lime Pork at home. As soon as we returned from the Johnsons' barbecue, I ran to the kitchen and gathered the ingredients. With Mrs. Johnson's recipe in hand, I set to work marinating the pork and firing up the grill. The smell of the chili lime marinade filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon with the Johnson family.

As I grilled the pork, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had learned a new recipe from a dear friend and was now putting my own spin on it in my kitchen. The pork sizzled and charred on the grill, just as it had at the Johnsons', and I knew that I had created something truly special.

When the Chili Lime Pork was finally ready, I plated it up and served it to my family. The looks of delight and satisfaction on their faces told me everything I needed to know - this dish was a winner. From that day on, Chili Lime Pork became a regular feature on our dinner table, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Over the years, I have made countless variations of Chili Lime Pork, experimenting with different cuts of meat, spice levels, and accompaniments. Each time I make this dish, I am transported back to that summer day with the Johnsons, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have collected over the years, I am grateful for the gift of Mrs. Johnson's Chili Lime Pork. It is a recipe that has brought me joy, connected me to my past, and allowed me to share a piece of myself with those I love. And for that, I am truly thankful.