Introduction
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure and try your hand at making delicious birria tacos and consomé? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these mouthwatering Mexican dishes. Get your apron on and let’s dive in!
What is Birria?
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. It is typically made with tender, slow-cooked meat, usually beef or goat, that is seasoned with a blend of spices and chilies. The meat is then shredded and served in tacos or quesadillas, accompanied by a flavorful consomé, or broth.
Ingredients for Birria Tacos
- 2 pounds of beef or goat meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 4 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 12 corn tortillas
- Chopped cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions for Birria Tacos
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the dried guajillo and ancho chilies to the pot and toast them for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will help release their flavors.
- Remove the chilies from the pot and place them in a bowl. Cover them with boiling water and let them soak for about 15 minutes to soften.
- While the chilies are soaking, season the meat with dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
- After the chilies have softened, drain them and transfer them to a blender. Add a cup of beef broth and blend until you have a smooth sauce.
- Pour the chili sauce over the seasoned meat and mix well to coat the meat evenly.
- Return the pot to the stove and add the meat along with any remaining sauce. Pour in the remaining beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the meat simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- While the meat is cooking, warm the corn tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet until they become pliable.
- Once the meat is ready, shred it using two forks. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tortilla. Place a portion of the shredded meat on one side of the tortilla and fold it in half.
- Cook the taco on each side until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and meat.
- Serve the birria tacos with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Ingredients for Consomé
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions for Consomé
- In a large pot, combine the beef broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the consomé simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the bay leaf and strain the consomé to remove any solids.
- Transfer the consomé to serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make birria tacos and consomé. These flavorful and comforting dishes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner. So, gather your loved ones, enjoy the deliciousness, and savor the authentic taste of Mexico!
