Saturday, April 30, 2011

Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken with Fresh Black Bean Salsa

I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro.
There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro!

I have neighbors and friends from Costa Rica and enjoyed their food at parties and BBQ's and I guess I've acquired a taste for it now.  No latin dish with be authentic or taste the same without it.  We took a trip to Costa Rica a few years ago.  It's a beautiful country.

The hacienda where we stayed

Here is the Marinade:
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mint
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
Combine all ingredients and marinate 2 lbs. thinly sliced chicken breasts.  Marinate for at least one hour.

Costa Rican Transportation

While chicken is marinating, prepare the Black Bean Salsa.
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 Tbs. chopped, fresh jalapeno
  • 1 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbs. red wine vinegar
  • 1 15-oz. can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Mix all the above ingredients in a medium size bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

My outside grill is still covered with snow, so I took out my handy, dandy GF grill.  I actually think it did a better job.  The chicken was juicy and I saved the drippings that were in the drip tray to pour over the chicken.  Serve with tortilla chips or soft flour tortillas.

Original Post was in February.

8 comments:

  1. This looks SO good Patti. I definitely think Cilantro has been an acquired taste for me as well but I definitely enjoy it more now than I used to. I really like the sound of this recipe. My brother is a Mojito fanatic. Her really does make the best Mojitos. I'm gonna make sure he gets this recipe - he'll LOVE it!

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  2. What a soothing setting here love ciantro and mohito's Im all ready!

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  3. I like Costa Ricas mode of transportation. Your chicken looks great! I havent made up my mind about cilantro. I do love a good mojito!

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  4. Your recipe looks like a delicious use for cilantro, which I agree is indeed an aquired taste. Thank you for sharing the recipe and your lovely photos.

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  5. This sounds great! I missed the cilantro gene too. A friend that's big into southwestern cuisine said I'd never acquire the taste... I do pick a small leaf every time I go to the nursery and pop it into my mouth, I might plant some this year-you know, kinda as a science experiment:@)

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  6. I love ALL the ingredients, LIME, CILANTRO, etc. etc! This sounds so tangy, spicy, tasty! Thanks for sharing! I'm saving this for our grilling 'to do' list of recipes!

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  7. This looks wonderful! I used to live in CR and didn't get to try this fab cuisine, but I do love lime based dishes. Thanks so much for linking up to Friday Potluck!

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  8. I love every thing about this! I don't remember a time that I didn't love cilantro, so I'm all over this one!
    Wouldn't this be good in a wrap? Yum.

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