Jamaican Jerk

Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica in which meat is dry-rubbed or wet marinated with a hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice.

Jerk Spice Mixture

Makes :1 cup

4 tbsp Ground allspice 

4 tbsp Dried thyme 

3 tbsp Black pepper

1 tbsp Nutmeg

1 tbsp Cinnamon 

2 oz Salt

4–8  Scotch bonnet peppers, stemmed, seeded, and chopped (VERY HOT, Use gloves)

8 Garlic cloves, chopped 

8 Scallions, sliced 

6 oz Onion, chopped

1 oz Brown sugar 

4 fl oz Lime juice 

3 fl oz Vegetable oil 

2 fl oz Soy sauce

5 lb Chicken parts, cleaned and trimmed

Method

1.Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to a paste. (Do half of the ingredients at a time if you have a small blender, and combine the two batches.)

2.Place the chicken in a zip top bag or container with a cover . Add the spice mixture and stir so all pieces of chicken are coated.

3.Marinate, refrigerated, at least 1 hour but up to 48 hours.

4.Before cooking, remove from the marinade and let stand at room temperature 20–30 minutes.

5.Grill over low heat until done. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (180°C). til juices run clear at thickest part.