
Ingredients
- 3 ancho chillies
- 1 tbsp of sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp of cumin seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 clove
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 garlic cloves, kept whole and peeled
- 1 kg of diced beef
- 330 ml of lager
- 400 ml of beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp of dried oregano
- 2 plum tomatoes from a tin
- 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 0.5 lime, juiced, plus 1 cut into wedges
- 1 tin of sweetcorn, drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 200 g of soured cream
- 1 handful of coriander leaves
- 1 green chilli, sliced (optional)
Method
Step 1
In a dry pan, toast the chillies for 2-3 mins until fragrant, then set aside (discard the stalks and seeds). Toast the sesame seeds and spices for 1-2 mins; set aside. Then char the onion and garlic for 3 mins and set aside.Step 2
Put the remaining ingredients in a large, lidded casserole dish. Add the onion, garlic, sesame seeds, spices and some salt; stir.Step 3
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1½ hrs or until the meat is tender (if using a slow cooker, cook for 4 hrs on high or 8 hrs on low).Step 4
Strain through a sieve over a bowl. Pick out and discard the chillies, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Remove the meat; set aside. Tip the sieved contents into the bowl; blend until smooth. Return to the pan with the meat. Heat through; season.Step 5
Serve the birria in bowls with the toppings, along with rice, potatoes or flour tortillas.