Tangy, salty, and a good amount of spice, these Birria beef quesadillas are a treat! Frying the tortillas in a bit of fat from the stew brings a beautiful orange hue to the presentation. A great mixture of flavors, when you add a squeeze of lime lime, a sprinkle of chopped white onion, and some fresh cilantro, the dish is taken to a whole new level. Enjoy!
Makes 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours to marinade
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients for meat:
*1/2 pound of sirloin
*2 pounds of chuck roast
*1 tablespoon salt
*2 teaspoons pepper
*1/2 teaspoon cumin
Ingredients for the marinade:
*1 tablespoon oil
*1/2 large white onion, sliced
*3 tomatoes, roughly chopped
*5 cloves of garlic, diced
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1 teaspoon dried oregano
*1/2 teaspoon chili powder
*1 tablespoon ancho chili powder (can sub smoked paprika)
*1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
*1 teaspoon ground cumin
*1/4 teaspoon ginger
*1 can chipotle peppers in adobe (7 ounces)
*1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
*3 cups of water
Ingredients for stew:
*2 bay leaves
*1/2 cinnamon stick
*2 cloves
For serving:
*White onion, chopped
*Cilantro
*Queso fresco
*Lime
Preparation:
*Season the meat with salt, pepper, and cumin.
*In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion and tomatoes until they are browned. Next, add the garlic, black pepper, oregano, ancho chili powder, chili powder, and thyme, stirring for 3 additional minutes.
*In a blender combine the onion and spice mixture, cumin, ginger, chipotle peppers in adobe, apple cider vinegar, and water. Blend until smooth.
*Place meat in a large bowl and cover with the sauce. Marinate for anywhere from 2 hours-overnight.
*After the meat is marinated, place it and all of the marinade into the pot of the pressure cooker. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
*Set to high pressure for 45 minutes then allow to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, followed by the quick pressure release. Spoon some of the fat off of the top of the stew and place in a frying pan.
*Shred meat and remove any bones.
*Rotate a tortilla through the fat and place some of the beef and Queso Fresco inside. Fry until crispy.
*Top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!