Pretty Nice for a Jerk

Oh, I know. It's been ages. But I've been positively exhausted, and actively avoiding anything cooking-related.

But, new week, time to get back to normal.

Matt's always liked jerk seasoning. I've never tasted it.

I found a recipe that looked interesting, so I showed it to him. His response was something along the lines of it looked good enough to eat on paper.

Finally got around to making it last night (and by making it, I mean Matt did it!).

Although I was expecting a completely different flavor (not sure why, but thought it would be...darker and smokier), it was really nice.

Matt really liked it, even though with the avocado and tortilla, he felt it had more of a Mexican presentation, rather than Caribbean.

He was also surprised not to find ginger in the ingredient list...not that we missed it. There's plenty of flavor as is.

The recipe calls for a Scotch bonnet...we each ended up with a piece (though thankfully, not a big piece); in the future, the pepper will be pulverized before going in!

Also, Matt played with the flavor of the rice, adding some salsa and a chile sauce (made by my FIL). Lovely flavor.

I really enjoyed it...it wasn't too spicy (I don't have a particularly high threshold for 'hot'), but it did have good flavor. The rice, beans and avocado just made it better.


Tortilla with Jerk Chicken






Recipe courtesy Blue Heaven
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into "fingers"
2 cups jerk marinade, recipe follows
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups rice, cooked
2 cups cooked black beans
4 fresh flour tortillas, warmed
1 cup shredded white cheddar
2 cup shredded romaine
4 dollops sour cream
4 large spoonfuls salsa
1 avocado, sliced
8 jalapeno slices

Preheat a broiler.

In a bowl, marinate chicken in jerk marinade for 4 to 5 hours, in the refrigerator. Saute chicken in oil, over high heat, until cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side. Place 1/4 of the rice and beans on each tortilla. Top with cooked chicken and the cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted. Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and jalapenos.

Jerk Chicken Marinade:
1 1/2 tablespoons ground allspice
1 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground sage
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
6 tablespoons soy sauce
1 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 small scotch bonnet pepper, finely diced
3/4 white onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped green onion
3/4 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic

Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate.