Ingredients

2 lbs beef roast ( cut in two inch chunks )
4 teaspoons salt ( divided in half )
1 cup white vinegar
1 small white onion ( sliced )
6 garlic cloves
4 bay leaves
4 dried avocado leaves ( hojas de aguacate found in latin supermarkets )
2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons oil
8 ancho chilies ( dried poblanos )
4 morita chilies ( dried red jalapenos , if you can not find them substitute with canned chipotle chiles in adobo )
1 beef bouillon cube
Barbacoa De Veracruz is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Veracruz. It is a slow-cooked beef stew that is flavored with ancho chilies, morita chilies, garlic, bay leaves, avocado leaves, and Mexican oregano. The name Barbacoa derives from a Caribbean word for a cooking method that involves digging a pit in the ground and cooking the meat covered with banana leaves. Nowadays, Barbacoa is usually cooked in a pot or pressure cooker and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. This recipe features ancho and morita chilies, which are two popular dried peppers in Mexican cuisine. Ancho chilies have a sweet and smoky flavor, while morita chilies have a fruity and slightly smoky taste.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.Season the beef with half of the salt and white vinegar. Set aside.
3.In a blender, puree the onion, garlic, bay leaves, avocado leaves, Mexican oregano, and oil.
4.In a large pot, heat up 6 cups of water. Add the beef, onion mixture, remaining salt and seasonings.
5.Cook on medium-high heat until it starts to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 3 hours or until tender.
6.Remove the chilies stems and seeds. In a small pot, boil 2 cups of water and cook the chilies for 5 minutes. Drain the water.
7.In a blender, puree the cooked chilies until smooth.
8.Stir the pureed chilies and beef bouillon into the pot. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.
9.Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

PROS

Barbacoa De Veracruz is an easy-to-make colorful main dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings.
The meat is flavorful, tender, and spicy.
It can be served with rice, beans, tortillas, and your favorite toppings.

CONS

This dish is a bit labor-intensive since it requires some preparation time and long cooking time.

Also, it is spicy and may not be suitable for people who do not enjoy hot and spicy food.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Barbacoa De Veracruz is a protein-rich dish that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Beef is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for energy and immune function. Chilies contain capsaicin, which may help reduce pain and inflammation, and boost metabolism and heart health.

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