InstructionsReset

1. Combine Ingredients

   In large pot add meat, onion, garlic, carrots, bay leaves and dried peppers. Cover with water. (This uses my large 7 qt pot and fills it to the top!)

2. Add Seasonings

   Add chicken bouillon, oregano, cumin and salt, stir to combine. Bring to a boil.

3. Skim

   After 30 minutes, skim the top of the pot to remove impurities from the bone cooking out. (will look like little bits of foam on the top)

4. Blend Peppers

   Remove the peppers (should be softened) and place in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, add up to 1/4 cup of broth if needed to help get a smooth consistency. 

5. Strain Peppers

   Strain the peppers if needed to remove bits of skin (if using a high powered blender this step is not necessary). 

6. Combine

   Add the blended peppers into the broth and stir to combine.

7. Season

   Add in the chili powder as desired to get a nice deep red color to the broth. 

8. Simmer

   Cover and continue to simmer for about 3 hours or until meat is tender and easily shredding on it’s own. (remove lid and give a stir every 40 minutes or so. Can also taste the broth once the meat is cooked through and adjust seasonings as needed).

9. Reserve Grease

   Skim the grease from the top of the broth (SAVE THIS!) pour the grease into a small skillet or saucepan, this is used for making the tacos if desired. 

10. Remove Flavorings

    Remove the onion, garlic, carrots, and bay leaves from the broth. (these ingredients were in the broth for flavoring…people are more than welcome to eat and enjoy them, so save them if you want!)

11. Cut Meat

    Remove the meat from the broth and cut into large chunks for serving. Remove any bones. 

12. To Serve as a Stew:

    1. Serve Soup

       Serve a couple pieces of meat into a bowl, spoon broth on top.

    2. Toppings

       Top with diced onion and fresh cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime to squeeze in.

13. To Make Quesabirria Tacos:

    1. Chop Meat

       Remove the meat from the broth, and finely chop until only small pieces remain. 

    2. Heat Skillet

       Heat a large skillet/griddle over medium heat. 

    3. Frying Tortillas

       Dip the corn tortilla into the reserved grease from the broth. 

    4. Add Fillings

       Place on heated griddle, top with the chopped meat and cheese. 

    5. Frying

       Fold the taco over and press down with a spatula. Continue cooking until the taco is crisp and golden on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and continue cooking the other side. (it’s ok if some of the cheese leaks out while frying, the golden cheese is the best part!) Plus you can spoon some additional grease onto the tortilla while it cooks if you need more coloring to the tortilla. 
    6. Cook until both sides are crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly before serving, will be very hot. 

    7. Continue

       Continue until all tacos are cooked. 

    8. Topping

       Top tacos with fresh cilantro and onion if desired.

    9. Serving

       Serve with a bowl of the broth topped with onions and cilantro on the side. 
    10. Dip the tacos into the broth while eating.