Jerked Pork with Mango and Banana Relish

By KeyIngredient

Delectable aromas waft from this jerked pork as it slowly grills, tempting guests as they wait. These nibbles do not disappoint. When buying a pork roast, buy a fresh one rather than the plasticwrapped seasoned variety, which tends to be quite salty. Also, this is not a recipe for using up overripe fruit, as both the mango and banana need a bit of bite.

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs (1.25 kg) boneless pork loin roast, preferably the rib end
• 1 ⁄3 cup (75 mL) homemade or purchased jerk sauce, plus extra for passing
• 1 large mango, barely ripe and somewhat firm
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange, lime, lemon or citrus marmalade
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) finely minced red onion
• 1 tsp (5 mL) lime or lemon juice
• 1 large banana, ripe but firm with a bit of green peel
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley
• 12 to 16 rotis, chapatis or whole-wheat tortillas, about 7 inches (18 cm) round

Preparation

Step 1

1. Remove any string from roast and trim off exterior fat to prevent flare-ups. To keep roast’s shape, use a couple of silicone bands (see TIP) or metal skewers to secure any loose flap of meat. Coat roast with jerk sauce; place in a heavy plastic bag. Seal and refrigerate for several hours or up to a day.

2. When ready to grill, heat barbecue to a low heat.

3. Place roast on barbecue and close lid; save the marinade. Check after 10 minutes. Baste with marinade and turn. Turn and baste frequently for an hour; then discard remaining marinade. If roast is getting too brown, place in a shallow metal pan or on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil with upturned edges. Continue barbecuing for another half hour or until roast reaches 155°F (68°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Remove to a cutting board; cover with foil; let rest for 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, peel, seed and slice mango into small dice. Finely mince marmalade if solids are large. Stir together with red onion and juice.(If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to half a day.) When ready to serve, peel and dice banana and add with parsley to mango mixture. Gently mix.

5. To serve, very thinly slice roast. Warm roti briefly on grill; fill with several slices of jerked pork. Serve with relish and extra jerk sauce for guests to add to their taste.

TIP: Brightly coloured bands made from silicone are similar in appearance to rubber bands, but silicone can take heat up to 500°F (260°C) and does not react with food. Purchase at kitchenware stores.


Makes 12 to 16 substantial nibbles