Griot, a popular dish in bouillon haitian soup and Caribbean cuisine, is a flavorful and aromatic dish made of marinated fried pork. The crispy, juicy pork pieces are a favorite among food enthusiasts, offering a tantalizing mix of savory and tangy flavors. If you’re looking to recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, this complete guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing savory griot.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 lbs of pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced (for heat, optional)
- 1/4 cup of lime or bitter orange juice
- Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Pork:**
- In a large bowl, combine the pork pieces with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, cloves, black pepper, salt, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and lime or bitter orange juice. Mix well, making sure the pork is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. **Frying the Griot:**
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully add the marinated pork pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the pork until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pork to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. **Double-Fry Method (Optional):**
- For an extra crispy finish, you can opt for the double-fry method. After the initial frying, let the pork pieces cool slightly, then fry them for a second time until they reach the desired level of crispiness.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Once all the pork pieces are fried to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro or parsley. Griot is traditionally served with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) and a side of rice and beans, plantains, or a simple salad.
By following this complete guide, you can easily prepare delicious and authentic savory griot (fried pork) right in your kitchen. Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy interior of this flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with every bite. Bon appétit!