Griot is a typical Haitian dish consisting of pork meat cubes slowly simmered in a sweet, spicy, and tangy marinade of chile peppers, onions, and orange, lime, or lemon juice until tender, then fried in a skillet. Instead of developing the flavor from the pan drippings, the sauce acts as a cooking liquid, typically reduced to a shiny glaze.
The dish is an homage to the griot, a person of high social status in many West African countries, traditionally a local historian, diplomat, warrior, tribal chief, community leader, or a teacher. As pork meat was scarce and expensive in Haiti, the dish was made only for special occasions and festive events, and the link between the two griots is obvious - they are both very important to their respective cultures.
Pikliz is a Haitian relish consisting of a combination of pickled vegetables such as shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, shallots, and spicy peppers. Traditionally, pikliz ... Read more