Description
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty dish that brings people together. Birria, a traditional Mexican delicacy, is one such dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Mexican culture. This recipe allows you to recreate this authentic dish effortlessly using a crockpot, capturing the essence of Mexico in your kitchen and savoring the magic of slow-cooked perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef (chuck roast or short ribs)
- 6 dried guajillo chilies
- 3 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried chipotle chilies
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Chopped onions
- Warm tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Chilies:
- Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Soak the toasted chilies in hot water for 10-15 minutes until they soften.
- Blend the Marinade:
- In a blender, combine the softened chilies, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and vinegar. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the soaking liquid for consistency.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solids, creating a velvety marinade.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Season your beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Crockpot:
- Place the marinated meat and any leftover marinade into the crockpot.
- Add the bay leaves and beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Prepare the Consommé:
- Once the meat is cooked, strain the liquid into a separate pot to create the consommé. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Choosing Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chilies and beef to maximize flavor and texture.
- Prevent Burning: Toast chilies lightly to unlock their flavor without introducing bitterness.
- Marination: Ensure thorough marination for tender, flavorful meat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican