Griot (food) facts for kids
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Griot served with bannann peze and pikliz
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| Place of origin | Haiti |
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| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Pork shoulder, citrus, scotch bonnet peppers |
| Similar dishes | Carnitas |
Griot (pronounced gree-oh) is a super popular dish from Haitian cuisine. It's made from pork shoulder that's first soaked in citrus juices. Then, it's cooked until it's really tender, and finally, it's fried until it's golden and crispy. Griot is often served at parties and celebrations. Many people even think it's one of Haiti's "national dishes," often enjoyed with diri ak pwa wouj (red beans and rice).
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Griot can also be spelled griyo or grillots. No matter how you spell it, it's still the same delicious Haitian pork dish!
How Griot is Made
Making Griot is a special process that gives it its unique flavor. It usually starts with pork shoulder, a tasty cut of meat.
Preparing the Pork
First, the pork is carefully washed. Then, it's placed in a mix of citrus juices, like lime or sour orange. This step is super important because it adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the meat. It also helps to tenderize the pork.
Adding Flavor with Epis
After its citrus bath, the pork is marinated in something called epis. Epis is a special blend of Haitian herbs, vegetables, and spices. Think of it like a flavorful paste that gives the Griot its amazing taste. Every family might have their own secret epis recipe!
Cooking the Pork
Next, the marinated pork is cooked slowly until it becomes very tender. This can be done by braising (cooking in liquid) or roasting. As the pork cooks, it creates a flavorful liquid. This liquid isn't wasted! It's used to make a delicious sauce called sòs ti-malis, which often goes with the Griot.
The Crispy Finish
Finally, the tender pork pieces are deep-fried. They fry until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color and become wonderfully crispy on the outside. This crispy texture is a big part of what makes Griot so good!
How to Enjoy Griot
Griot is almost always served with pikliz. Pikliz is a spicy, pickled cabbage relish that adds a tangy kick to the rich pork. You can also enjoy Griot with rice, or with bannann peze, which are flattened, fried plantains. It's a truly satisfying and flavorful meal!
