Birria Tacos

Ingredients:

For the Birria:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or goat, lamb, or a combination)
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried chipotle chiles (optional for heat)
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 5 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 Roma tomatoes (or one can of diced tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups beef broth or water

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• Chopped onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

Make the Birria Stew:

1. Prepare the Chiles: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them lightly in a pan for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. Then, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes or until softened.
2. Make the Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon stick, vinegar, tomatoes, and a little broth or water. Blend until smooth.
3. Marinate the Meat: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Pour the chile sauce over the meat, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
4. Cook the Birria: In a large pot or slow cooker, add the marinated meat, bay leaves, and beef broth or water. Cook over low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Shred the Meat: Once the meat is done, remove it from the broth and shred it with forks. Return the shredded meat to the broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

Assemble the Tacos:

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the corn tortillas in the birria broth, coating them on both sides.
2. Fill and Fry the Tacos: Place some of the shredded meat onto the dipped tortilla, fold it over, and fry it in the skillet until crispy, about 1-2 minutes on each side.
3. Garnish: Serve the tacos with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also serve with a small bowl of birria broth (consomé) for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Birria Tacos!