Barbados Chops with Black Bean Relish

These Island-inspired chops are seasoned with tropical flavors, grilled and served with a mildly spicy black bean relish. Stir some chopped coconut or cashews into hot rice for a suitable accompaniment.

Recipe Ingredients:

Chops:
4 pork chops, 1 1/2-inch thick
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
2 teaspoons finely chopped green olives
1/2 to 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced*
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons lime juice

Black Bean Relish:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Cooking Directions:

1. For Chops: In large self-sealing bag place vegetable oil, garlic, olives, jalapeno, thyme, allspice and lime juice; mix thoroughly and add pork chops. Seal bag and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.
2. For Black Bean Relish: Heat olive oil in small sauté pan; sauté onion just until tender, about 4 minutes.
3. In medium bowl stir together onion with black beans and remaining ingredients. Cover and let rest at room temperature for one hour to let flavors blend. Refrigerate for longer storage.
4. Prepare medium-hot fire in kettle-style grill.
5. Remove chops from marinade, discarding marinade.
6. Grill chops for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.
7. Serve with Black Bean Relish.

Makes 4 servings.

*Wear rubber gloves when handling hot chiles.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories 387 calories Protein 36 grams Fat 16 grams Sodium 458 milligrams Cholesterol 87 milligrams

Recipe provided courtesy of National Pork Board.