Best Mexitana Ancho Lamb Chili Recipes

CHILE CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• For the crust:
• In a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the shallots and thyme and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the chile powder and stir. Add the bread crumbs and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove the crumbs to a small bowl and let cool.
• For the lamb:
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In the same large skillet over high heat, heat the oil. Working in batches, add the lamb racks to skillet, rounded side down. Sear until brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board, seared side up. Spread 2 teaspoons of the mustard over each rack. Press the crumb topping into mustard on the racks, dividing equally. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven until desired doneness, 25 minutes for medium well. Let the lamb rest 5 to 7 minutes before slicing. Arrange the sliced lamb on a serving platter and serve.

MEXICAN BIRRIA RECIPE (GOAT OR BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• Heat a large pan to medium heat and add the dried peppers. Dry toast them in the hot pan 1-2 minutes per side, until the skins darken.
• Remove from heat and add the toasted peppers to a large bowl. Cover with hot water and steep 20 minutes, or until softened.
• While the peppers are rehydrating, heat the olive oil in the same pan to medium heat.
• Add the onion and tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes to soften.
• Add the garlic and cook another 1 minute, stirring.
• Add the cooked onion, tomatoes and garlic to a food processor.
• Remove the softened chilies and add to the food processor, but reserve the soaking liquid.
• Add the seasonings to the food processor along with the vinegar and 1 cup beef stock. Process until smooth. It should be fairly thick. You can strain if you'd like for a smoother sauce. See the RECIPE NOTES below.
• Cut the lamb (or beef) into large chunks and add to a large bowl.
• Pour the birria sauce over them and rub it into the meat. Cover and marinate the meat in the refrigerator for 2 hours minimum. Overnight is better.
• When you're ready to cook, add the meat with all of the marinade, the chopped roasted tomatoes and remaining 3 cups beef broth to a large pot. Cover and cook at medium heat for 3 hours, or until the meat is fork tender and easy to shred. Add more beef stock or some of the reserved soaking liquid if needed for a soupier birria.
• Serve the braised birria into bowls as a soup, or shred the meat and serve it up onto tortillas as birria tacos, with the reserved liquid consome from the pot as a side soup/broth.

ANCHO CHILI POWDER

Steps:

• This homemade chili powder will add a smoky depth to chili and as a dry rub for steaks. Toast the ancho chile pieces over low heat in a dry skillet until fragrant, shaking the pan so they don't scorch. Put the chiles in a mini food processor and pulse to a powder. Add the remaining ingredients and buzz again to combine.

LAMB CHILI

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until just translucent, about 3 minutes. Add both chilis, tomatoes, broth, oregano, cumin and allspice. Bring mixture to boil. Cover pan and simmer until chilis are tender, approximately 30 minutes.
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Puree sauce in batches in blender. Return sauce to same pan. Add lamb. Cover and bake until lamb is almost tender, about 50 minutes. Uncover pan and simmer chili over medium-low heat until lamb is very tender and liquids are thickened to sauce consistency, about 25 minutes. Add kidney beans and simmer 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.(Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

GRILLED LEG OF LAMB WITH ANCHO CHILE MARINADE

Steps:

• Combine wine, oil, garlic, 3 tablespoons oregano, ancho chile powder, lemon juice, 1 green onion, sugar, salt, and pepper in blender. Blend mixture until smooth. Transfer marinade to 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add lamb and turn to coat evenly. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Grill lamb with some of marinade still clinging to surface until lamb is cooked to desired doneness, 15 to 16 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F). Transfer lamb to carving board. Let lamb rest 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, finely chop remaining green onion and 1 tablespoon oregano leaves; combine in small bowl.
• Thinly slice lamb across grain. Arrange lamb slices on platter. Pour over any accumulated juices. Sprinkle with onion-oregano mixture and serve.
• * Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.