Ep 13. Puerto Rican Grilling

In season 4 episode 13 of Man, Fire, Food, host Roger Mooking heads to Puerto Rico to explore the island's unique take on grilling. Puerto Rican cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and native Taino flavors, and the episode showcases how these influences come together in delicious and fiery dishes cooked over an open flame.

Roger begins his culinary journey by learning about the traditional way to grill a whole hog. Known as lechon, this dish is central to Puerto Rican culture, and Roger visits a local farm to see how the pigs are raised and prepared for the grill. He then joins a group of friends who are cooking a lechon for a family celebration, and helps them build the fire and turn the pig over the coals. The result is a succulent and crispy-skinned feast that is the highlight of the party.

Next, Roger visits a street food vendor who specializes in skewered meats cooked over a wood-fired grill. Known as chuzos, these skewers are a popular snack all over Puerto Rico. Roger tries a variety of chuzos, including chicken, beef, and pork, and learns how the vendor achieves the perfect char on the meat while keeping it tender and juicy.

The episode also features a visit to a restaurant that specializes in mofongo, a classic Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains and a variety of fillings. Roger watches as the chef grills octopus over an open flame before adding it to the mofongo, creating a dish with a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a trip to a beachside cooking competition where local chefs face off against each other to see who can cook the best grilled seafood. Roger serves as a judge, sampling dishes that feature everything from shrimp and octopus to whole fish cooked over an open flame. He is impressed by the creativity and skill of the chefs, and the episode ends with a celebratory feast that showcases the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Puerto Rico.

Overall, season 4 episode 13 of Man, Fire, Food offers a fascinating and mouth-watering glimpse into the world of Puerto Rican grilling. From whole pigs to grilled seafood to skewered meats, viewers will be left hungry for more of the island's fiery and flavorful dishes.