Okay, I know what you’re thinking… It’s just a burrito bowl, what’s the big deal? Oh, yeah?!
I’ll have you know that this is the real deal.
This is so real that it’ll open Ben Carson’s eyes, blow Donald Trump’s mind and hair, knock off Bernie Sanders’s one and only pair of socks, and maybe even get Hillary Clinton’s “Top Classified” seal of approval.
Oh well, it’s the silly political season once again over here. If you’re not American and don’t follow US politics, you really should. There’s plenty of material for a laugh. And if you’re American, you really should be following. How would you know whom to vote for if you don’t?
So, this is not just your average burrito bowl, everyone! This is Burrito Bowl Caribbean style. Island-flavored, spice-kissed, and steel drum-celebrated! Cue that music! Can you hear it?
It’s Burrito Bowl à la Caribe, as mi esposo calls it.
So, what’s in this burrito bowl that makes it so bold, bodacious, and might I add beautiful? Let’s see.
Things in this burrito bowl that makes it so bold, bodacious, and might I add beautiful
First of all, the jerk marinade, of course. And the seasoned sour cream. So boldly flavored you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!
Then, the grilled pineapple salsa (recipe here) and the coconut rice. They just add that much more flavor to the whole thing!
And then, of course, the fried plantain. It balances out the meal. And you know fruits are a part of a balanced diet. So, eat your fruits!
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs or pork loin chops
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 2 inch cinnamon stick, broken up
- 4 whole cloves
- A small chunk of fresh nutmeg or ½ teaspoon ground
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ cups jasmine (or any long grain) rice, rinsed and drained
- 1½ cups coconut milk
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup black beans, soaked in water overnight
- 3 strips thick bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ small onion, diced
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ reserved jerk marinade
- Toast dry spices briefly to intensify flavor, then grind in a coffee grinder to a fine powder.
- Place the rest of ingredients, except for the meat, in a blender or food processor and grind until smooth. Add the ground spices and mix to blend. It'll make about 1½ cups marinade.
- Pour over chicken/pork, reserving ½ cup
- Marinade chicken/pork for up to 6 hours.
- Grill chicken/pork, smearing excess marinade on the meat. Grill for about 5 minutes total on each side, or until completely cooked, flipping them a few times to avoid burned spots. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Place rice, water, coconut milk, and salt in a medium pot. Stir.
- Cook on high heat and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat to medium-low and continue boiling for another 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring periodically to make sure liquid doesn't overflow.
- Now place lid on the pot, set heat to low, and let rice simmer for another 15 minutes, or until liquid is completely absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Drain the beans. Place in a medium pot. Cover generously with water, at least 1 inch above beans.
- Add bacon, bay leaf, onion, and bring to a boil. Skim off foam that forms on the surface.
- Lower heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour, adding water as necessary.
- Mix sour cream/yogurt with the reserved jerk marinade.
- Layer rice, meat, and beans in a bowl, then top with seasoned sour cream. Served with optional fried plantains and grilled pineapple salsa.
You can serve it composed like this, with the sauce on the side.
But as you know, it’s much more satisfying to have everything just piled up and doused with the sauce. That way every bite includes everything at once!
Now, tell me, won’t that clear up Ted Cruz’s sinuses? He sounds so nasal. Or is that just his Texas twang?
I hope my Fiesta Friday friends and the folks over at Throwback Thursday and Saucy Saturday like this.
This looks fantastic! Also, I have never, nor will I ever, think “just a burrito bowl” 😉
LOL! We think alike! It’s one of my most favorite things in the world! 🙂
I love burrito bowls! I mean, seriously, what’s not to like? You have everything you can possibly want in a single bowl! I have never had carribean style burrito bowls before and I totally cannot want to give it a try, especially the fried plantains.
This one I’m really proud of I have to say. It’s just so good! I made it a couple of times now just to make sure the recipe is perfect and each time it’s been consistent. Now did you see this on your WP reader? I didn’t see it even though I’m following myself, lol! Btw, are you interested in co-hosting at all?
I didn’t see it in my WordPress reader. I’m subscribed through email. Is Fiesta Friday directly linked to Novice Gardener through Jetpack? I think that’s how it works… It’s been awhile. lol.
When I first did self-hosting, I transferred everything to the new site. Paid wordpress to redirect all my old links to the new one. And installed jetpack so they’re connected. I think that’s how posts appear on the wordpress reader. Because our new sites don’t have that option. At least, not that I can see. There’s still so much I don’t know!
And I would definitely be interested in co-hosting =)
No, I got all the FF posts previously, just not this one. Weird. I shall do some sleuthing and ffind out what’s going on. What week would you like to co-host? Let me know and I’ll put you down. Thanks! XOXO
Oh. Sometimes that happens to me too. I think something happens with the system and the post gets delayed before it appears in the reader. Unfortunately, that also means that people might miss it since the post will appear later according to the time it’s posted rather than when it appears.
Whenever you need a co-host should be fine =)
Okay, will let you know. Thanks for all your explanation. Darn WP, always changing their algorithms! Also Google. I was able to get rich snippets going on one time, i.e., photos appearing next to my recipes on Google search but not anymore. But I had no idea what I was doing!
I know! My post just did the same thing last night! No appearance in my reader lol
Andrea, I have 2/12 open for Fiesta Friday co-hosting. It’s the Valentine edition! Would you like to take the spot?
Hi Angie! I can do that day =)
Okay you’re in! I’ll be in touch!
I had a good laugh over your political analysis there ;).
And whoaaaaaa what a bowl there..what a bowl!! Bring it on and I can chomp on it minus the meat..and may be jerk some tofu there!!
Love it!
Yes, tofu would be great! Or tempeh, or even cauliflowers. Give it a try, Sonal, and let me know what you think! Maybe you can improve it 🙂
There is no place left for improvement my dear…will adapt as is ?❤️
Thanks! I can’t wait to find out if you like or not! I hope you like!
I plan to pick few recipes from this fiesta and post in next few days..as promised to you last time and I am sure this is going to top since I love the southern American flavors.
I forgot to mention that lovd your photos..,I think that you have attempted a new style here and it is looking gorgeous..
Yes, trying to add a bit of humor, too. My new mission in life, to make people smile and happy, LOL!
And you are doing great at it my dear ?.
Just realized that I am cohosting almost after an year and feels good!!
I appreciate all your help, girlfriend! XOXO
I am missing Selma though this time…
Anyways!! Having so much fun…
I think I would like to host often!
I know, would be so much more fun with Selma. You can host anytime you want, just let me know! 🙂
That has got to be the most awesome burrito bowl and bowl! Also the most politically irreverent bowl too! I love the heaped up one with the layers of piped sauce. If you ever do a cookbook, that’s going on the cover!
Lol, you think so? I like eating it that way. I like mixing everything up, maybe thats why I like casseroles. The jerk marinade is a keeper, Johanne. Really is delicious. Like spoon-licking delicious! 🙂
What a beautiful dish. I’ve never cooked my own plantains before but I love them.
Do you buy the frozen Goya ones? I sometimes still do, but it’s a little too greasy. So easy to fry plantains, Julie. One of these days I’ll share my tostones recipe. So good!
I’ve never boughten them for my home and didn’t know they were in the freezer section. I only have them when we eat Cuban food out. Note to self….
Like it?! I LOVE it! Thank you for linking it up to Throwback Thursday and brightening up our day and out winter!! I can see myself kicking back and eating a bowl of this with my big, fuzzy purple slippers on, all cozy inside while it’s all frosty outside!!
Fuzzy purple slippers? I have such a vision! Lol, nothing bad, I used to have big fuzzy pink slippers. Now everything I own is beige and black, what gives? Am I getting old? I need to buy some purple things! 🙂
OMG, Angie!! This burrito bowl is over the top! I am so bookmarking this and can’t wait to make it! Thanks so much for sharing with us! 😀
I hope you’ll give it a try and tell me what you think. Maybe write a post about it, link it, etc. Lol, not twisting your arm, just giving an idea. ‘Coz I just love it when people give me feedback or ways to improve my recipes ???
I love a recipe with lots of good ingredients, especially spicy ones, and your burrito bowl sure fits that criteria. Love the layers! What an election year – I have never seen anything like it – will be interesting to see the final outcome!
Yes, you’re right it’s a very interesting election year to say the least. I’m glad you like the burrito bowl. That jerk marinade is so good! I studied 3 different recipes, adjusted the ingredients and came up with a winner, IMHO.
I just printed out your recipe – instead of bookmarking or pinning. That way it’s in my “to make file”. The jerk marinade does sound delicious 🙂
Thanks, Judi! Let me know what you think or maybe you can improve it. But pin it as well on your board. I’ve been neglecting Pinterest but it’s still a great resource. I’m going to pin a few now from FF103.
So while reading and looking at your gorgeous photos, my mouth was watering. I should have never looked at your post when the last time I had my meal was 5 hours ago. This is over the top delicious, Angie. And let me tell you that I was so thrilled when I saw you coming over with these bowls. 😀
PS: I am happy to see that we have new friends (to me, atleast) joining the party. More friends, more food and more fun! 😀
The more the merrier as they say! I’m so glad you like the burrito bowl, Jhuls. Maybe it’ll make it in your Verdicts series. 🙂
I am thinking of a recipe for your second turn, Angie. Maybe this will be the third. 😀
My my! Quite a bowlful beauty there! Make me one and I will sell my soul to ya 🙂
Hi, Nusrat! Are you ready to party with us? 🙂
Yes yes yes! How to join the party? 🙂
We start a new party every Friday at 8am EST. Just come to FiestaFriday.net then, and you can link your post or just mix and mingle. It’s a virtual party but let me tell ya, the fun is real! ??
Can’t wait! Thanks for the fun-invite <3
Oh what a mouth watering burrito bowl this is! Love the layers of flavors in it.I have so many favorite flavors in this bowl.Pinning it!
Thanks, Sandhya! Btw, are you on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter? Let’s connect!
Angie, yes I am Indfused on all 3 and Google plus too. Will definitely love to connect. Thank you so much!
Look at those photos! I could only go for the delicious plantains, coconut rice, and pineapple salsa because of my diet but that would be plenty for me! That would make a tasty bowl in itself!
By the way, I hope the trees in your area “are just the right height”!
LOL! I have never in my life met anyone who would refer to trees the way Mitt did! He was so completely out of touch, although I have since viewed him more favorably especially after he boxed for charity. You can’t eat any meat?! Oh well, veggies are pretty delicious! 🙂
Delicious indeed!
Candidates make it worse by trying too hard to fit in. This time around is getting just as amusing!
I enjoyed your humorous political comments!
I find all these candidates amusing myself, source for entertainment, haha…
Wow, this looks like exactly the kind of food I’ve been craving lately! That jerk chicken and pineapple salsa would really hit the spot right now!
Well then, we’re sisters! I crave this kind of food almost everyday! 🙂
There is a LOT of yumminess in a bowl! I am not sure I would know where to start, with the spiced soured cream, the pineapple salsa, the jerk mix, the chicken. Wow! 🙂 xx
The sour cream (or you can even use yogurt) was my favorite part, and I found myself licking the spoon! 😀
🙂 I would too! xx
Oh, yummy! It looks amazing. I especially like the second photograph – so vibrant! I feel like I am looking right at the bowl! Umm, I love coconut rice and jerk chicken is amazing. I only ever had it once but the taste has remained with me. I love that you changed up and brought an extra splash of sunshine to the burrito bowl!
Thanks, Maggie! Give it a try; it really is amazingly flavorful! 🙂
Will do! 🙂
This is divine..I would love to have this Burrito Bowl often, it is so different and so unique…Loved the fried Plantains and the sauce as well. Glad to connect with you through FF Angie and thanks to Sonal who guided me here,
Welcome onboard, Swati! I’m looking forward to getting to know you better! 🙂
Looks and sounds like a delicious burrito bowl! I like your ingredients! Yummy, coming over soon to visit and eat. Smiles, Robin
Thanks, Robin! Red carpet rolled out awaiting your arrival, lol!
I love a good burrito bowl. This one looks pretty interesting..
It’s extra flavorful with the jerk spices, Joyce. Give it a try and let me know what you think! 🙂
Loved the bit of political humor. I’ll be in Australia for the primaries, but I already filed for my absentee ballot. In fact, I could fill it out already. And, I’ll be home come the election this fall. Anyway, this dish looks delicious! Love all the flavors! Happy FF, can’t wait to party with you this week too. 🙂
You are a model citizen! Is this a vacation? You’re always off to some exciting place. Have you seen a wombat yet? 🙂
Wow! A deconstructed burrito, only I’ve never tasted a burrito filled with these ingredients. Love this! It is truly a feast –fiesta? — for the eyes. And by the way, it’s not Texas twang but it is Canuck speak. 😀
Lol! Is that what it is? I was wondering why he sounds different from all the Texans I know ??
Plantain in a burrito bowl is genius, love it!
Thanks so much, Dretta! So nice of you to stop by. Would you like to join our Fiesta Friday link party? Would love to have you! 🙂
What a yummy twist!
Thanks, Irene!