Mexican Stew: Birria

Mexican Stew: Birria

Ingredients

4 guajillo chiles
4 ancho chiles
1 cup hot water
1 pound top round, cubed for stew
1 pound baby back ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 1/2 quarts water
1 onion
6 garlic cloves
2 fresh bay leaves
6 sprigs thyme
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
Salt and pepper 

Sauce:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground chile piquin
Garnish:
1/2 cup diced onion
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Flour tortillas, as an accompaniment 

                                                                    
                                                                       Guajillo chiles 

                                                                      Ancho chiles

Directions

On hot griddle toast the ancho and gaujillo chile and submerge in hot water. Let chiles sit for 20 minutes. Remove from water and puree in blender with a cup of warm water. Set aside.

In a deep Dutch oven, add the beef and ribs, water, onion, and garlic cloves. Bring to boil and cook for 1 hour. At this point add the bay leaves, thyme, chile puree, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper simmer for 30 minutes. To make sauce, puree the garlic, vinegar, and chile powder in a blender.

Serve the stew in a big bowl with a sprinkle of onion and cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top. Serve with flour tortillas and some of the sauce on the side, as well.