Best Oaxacan Lamb In Spicy Tomatillo Sauce Recipes

LAMB BARBACOA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325F.
• Score the fat on the lamb (see photos) Generously season all sides of the lamb shoulder with salt. Set on counter while you make the marinade.
• To make the marinade, de-stem the dried chilies, break them in half and discard the seeds ( you don't need to remove every single one, a few strays are OK). Break the chilies apart into smaller pieces and add to the blender ( dry) with the remaining ingredients. Blend until very smooth, for a full minute.
• Heat a skillet or dutch oven to medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the salted lamb shoulder, patiently browning each side to create a deep colored crust. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! ( It is the secret to sealing in the juices and creating flavor!)
• Once all sides are seared, place lamb shoulder in the dutch oven. Nestle the onion and orange slices all around it along with bay leaves. Pour the marinade over top and shake the pan to get the marinade to the bottom.
• Cover tightly and bake in a 325F oven for 3½-4 ½ hours. See notes on timing!
• Roast is done when meat pulls apart easily. Pull the meat off the bones and discard any fat. Tear into smaller pieces and place into an oven proof serving dish. Strain 1-2 cups of the marinade and pour over the meat keeping it moist. Taste the lamb and adjust salt and heat. If it tastes bland add salt.
• Keep warm in oven until ready to serve. I like to leave this uncovered so the meat gets a little crispy on the top. Garnish with onions and cilantro if you like.

OAXACAN LAMB SHANKS MOLE - MIXIOTE DE BORREGO EN MOLE COLORADITO

Steps:

• Prepare the mole sauce by combining tomatoes and garlic cloves in your blender and whirl until smooth, adding water if necessary.
• Strain and set aside.
• Grind the sesame seeds, peppercorns, oregano and cinnamon all together; set to the side.
• Make a lengthwise cut on 1 side of each ancho and guajillo chile and remove seeds. Place chiles in a heat resistant bowl and cover with boiling water; soak for 20 minutes or until soft.
• Place chiles and the water they've been soaking in in a blender.
• Whirl until smooth, strain and set to the side.
• In a stockpot, heat up about 3 tablespoons of oil and add the dried spices, stirring constantly to release the fragrant oils.
• Add the two purees and bring to a boil.
• Add the chocolate, sugar; salt to taste and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Season the lamb shanks with salt; sear shanks on all sides in a hot skillet with a little oil added.
• Place some of the mole sauce in a bowl.
• Dip each shank in mole sauce, sprinkle with vinegar, chopped onion and salt; wrap in a banana leaf and then in aluminum foil.
• Place shanks in a pan and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the meat is.
• very tender and falling off the bone.
• Place shank on a plate and top with additional warm mole sauce.

TAMALES OAXAQUEñOS (OAXACAN-STYLE TAMALES)

Steps:

• Beat 9 ounces lard in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add salt and continue beating for a few minutes. Add masa harina and beat well until combined. Add chicken broth, 1/4 cup at a time, beating until masa has a smooth and workable consistency similar to cookie dough, about 3/4 cup total. Test if the masa is ready by dropping a small ball of masa into a glass of cold water; if it floats, it's ready, if not, beat the dough a little longer.
• Combine tomatillos, ancho chile pepper, mulato chile pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano in a blender; blend until smooth.
• Heat remaining 2 ounces lard in a skillet and cook tomatillo sauce until lightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add shredded chicken and a little of the remaining chicken broth. Cook over low heat until chicken filling has thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons masa mixture onto 1 banana leaf, filling it up to 2 inches from the bottom and 1/4 inch from the top. Add 1 tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of the masa mixture. Fold sides of banana leaf together, one over the other. Fold the bottom of the banana leaf over the seam of the 2 folded sides and tie together with kitchen string. Repeat with remaining banana leaves.
• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add tamales with the open side up and cook until filling is heated through and separates from the leaf, 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Let tamales rest for 15 minutes before serving.

MIXIOTE DE BORREGO EN MOLE COLORADITO: LAMB SHANK IN AN OAXACAN RED MOLE SAUCE

Steps:

• To prepare the mole sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend tomatoes and garlic cloves, adding water if necessary. Strain and set aside. In a spice grinder pulverize the sesame seeds, peppercorns, oregano and cinnamon; set aside.
• Make a lengthwise cut on 1 side of each ancho and guajillo chile and remove seeds. Put chiles in a bowl and cover with boiling water, letting soak for 20 minutes or until soft. Place chiles and soaking water in a blender. Puree, strain and set aside. In a medium stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the dried spices stirring continuously. Add the two purees and bring to a boil. Add the chocolate, sugar, and salt to taste; let simmer for about 20 minutes.
• To prepare the lamb shanks: Season the lamb shanks with salt and in a hot skillet sear shanks in oil on all sides. In a bowl, dip each shank in mole sauce, sprinkle with some of the vinegar, chopped onion and salt, then wrap in a banana leaf and then in aluminum foil. Place shanks in a roasting pan and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone. Place shank on a plate and top with additional warm mole sauce.