Dinner: Braised Birria

Recipe by /contributors/jonathan-zaragoza Though Birrieria Zaragoza in Chicago uses goat shoulder, this deeply spiced braise is equally good with lamb.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Nuts

Health benefits of Braised Birria

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060). Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

4 ounces ancho chiles (about 10), seeds removed
1/2 cup raw peanuts
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 disk Abuelita Mexican chocolate or 1 1/2 ounces dark chocolate
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 pounds bone-in goat or lamb shoulder
Kosher salt
2 bay leaves
2 chiles de árbol, seeds removed
1/2 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Chopped white onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and warm corn tortillas (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275 °F. Bring ancho chiles and 4 cups water to a boil over medium-high. Remove from heat and let cool.
Meanwhile, toast peanuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 15 –20 minutes. Let cool.
Toast cumin seeds and peppercorns in a dry small skillet, tossing occasionally, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool, then finely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle with garlic powder and cinnamon.
Purée ancho chiles and soaking liquid, peanuts, spice mixture, and chocolate in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot, reserving any solids. Return solids in sieve to blender and add 3 cups water. Process until smooth and strain back into Dutch oven; discard any solids.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season meat generously with salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 12 –15 minutes total. Carefully add meat to Dutch oven and add bay leaves. Bring liquid to a simmer over medium-high. As soon as it just begins to bubble, lower heat, cover pan tightly with foil, then lid. Braise meat until meat shrinks off of bones and is fork-tender, 3 –3 1/2 hours (check periodically to make sure liquid is at a gentle simmer).
Meanwhile, purée chiles de árbol, tomatoes, broth, and oregano in a clean blender until smooth. Strain through clean sieve into a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt; keep sauce warm.
Increase oven to 400 °F. Let meat cool, uncovered, in braising liquid 30 minutes. Transfer meat to a rimmed baking sheet and roast until edges begin to brown, 13 –17 minutes. Pull or slice meat into servings. Divide among shallow bowls along with tomato-chile sauce.
Serve meat with onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and tortillas alongside.