Birria de Res

Directions

1. 1
   Season the meat with the salt and set aside.
2. 2
   Pour the oil into the saucepan over medium high heat and fry the meat until lightly charred on the exterior. This will take about 10 minutes. You don’t want to overcrowd your pan so do this in batches if necessary.
3. 3
   Pour the blended sauce over the top and add enough water or stock to cover.
4. 4
   Remove the stems from the dried chillies tear them down the centre.
5. 5
   Bring to a rolling simmer and then reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer lightly for about 4 to 5 hours or until the meat is really tender and shreds easily. You can always add more stock or water if necessary.
6. 6
   Remove the seeds. Then place the dried chillies in your saucepan over a medium heat and toast the, turning regularly for about 3 minutes or until fragrant.
7. 7
   Cooking in an electric pressure cooker: All of the frying above can be done in an electric pressure cooker set to sauté.
8. 8
   Be very careful not to burn them or it will make the stew bitter.
9. 9
   Then cover the meat with the sauce and add enough water or stock to cover. Close the lid and pressure cook for about 50 minutes.
10. 10
    Transfer to a bowl and cover with boiling water for about 15 minutes or longer if more convenient.
11. 11
    When the pressure cooking is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 20 minutes and then turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.
12. 12
    Returning to the saucepan, toss in the chopped onion, garlic cloves and tomatoes and roast over a medium high heat to char slightly on the exterior and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.
13. 13
    Cooking in a slow cooker: Follow the saucepan instructions above and then place it all in your slow cooker. Set is to low and slow cook for about 8 hours.
14. 14
    Transfer to a blender to cool some.
15. 15
    Add the cinnamon stick, ground cumin, marjoram, oregano, vinegar, stock cube and the soaked chillies to the blender.
16. 16
    Taste the water that the chillies were soaking in. If it is bitter, discard it and add 125ml fresh water to the blender. If it’s not bitter use that instead of fresh water.
17. 17
    Blend until really smooth. You can add more of the soaking water or fresh water if needed to help blend. Set aside.