Simple Way to Aztec Maize And Beans

Beans And Belly

Maize was the single most important staple of the aztec diet.

Recipe Summary Beans And Belly

This is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy pork belly and black-eyed peas, and I could not have been happier with how it came out. Make sure to start this up to 2 days in advance, as the beans require two rounds of overnight soaking--first while raw and again once tossed into a salad. Meanwhile, you'll bake the pork belly low and slow for 7 1/2 hours for an unparalleled richness and succulence that pairs perfectly with the acidic, bracing bean salad. You can also serve these in lettuce cups.

Ingredients | Aztec Maize And Beans

1 (2 pound) whole pork belly, skin removed

1 tablespoon kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight

2 quarts fresh water

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons white vinegar

⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar

⅓ cup mild olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

⅓ cup finely chopped red onion

2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

kosher salt to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).

Season pork belly with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Place fat-side down on a piece of parchment paper; fold paper around pork, then wrap in a few layers of foil. Place in a baking dish, fat-side up.

Bake in the preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 7 1/2 hours. Let cool completely, still wrapped, then transfer to the refrigerator.

Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and place in a pot with 2 quarts water. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Add bay leaf and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Drain beans and set aside.

Whisk Dijon mustard, white vinegar, rice vinegar, and oil together in a bowl. Add garlic, onion, jalapeno, and bell pepper. Pour warm beans into the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne; toss to combine. Wrap salad in plastic wrap and chill to let flavors blend, 8 hours to overnight.

Mix parsley into the salad and taste for seasoning.

Unwrap pork belly; cut into bite-sized chunks. Transfer pieces into a dry pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.

Place salad in serving bowls and top with pork belly.

There are many articles online about soaking the beans being an unnecessary step, and technically it is, but it's been my experience that soaking helps the beans hold their shape better, as well as cook a lot faster.

Substitute vegetable oil for the olive oil if desired.

Info | Aztec Maize And Beans

prep: 30 mins cook: 7 hrs 40 mins additional: 8 hrs total: 16 hrs 10 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 servings

TAG : Beans And Belly

Meat and Poultry Recipes, Pork,