I created this recipe when I was looking for something comforting and hot that used some beer we had left over. Its sweet and spicy, using 2 different types of Mexican chillies, chocolate stout, as well as chocolate powder. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you off. You can always use a sachet of fajita or taco seasoning to make things easier. I've included a couple of links to Mexican stores that sell different kinds of chillies at the bottom of the page and deliver in the UK.
Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp coriander
1 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chocolate powder
2 tsp chipotle puree
1 tbsp tomato puree
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
1 can chocolate stout (I used Brewdog)
1 ancho chilli
1 can chopped tomatoes
3 tbsp flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
800 g beef brisket, cut into chunks
1 can black/ kidney beans
Butter
Salt and pepper
Method:
Start off by melting a knob of butter in a casserole pot. Dust the beef chunks in the seasoned flour and sear the meat in the pot until brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Melt some more butter and add the onion. Fry until it begins to soften. Add the garlic, bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Fry for about a minute. Add the dry spices and sugar. Stir. Add the tomato puree followed by the can of beer. Mix well together to combine. Let it bubble for a few minutes until the liquid is reduced. Stir every once in a while, scraping the bottom of the pot to scrape any bits on the bottom.
Add the canned tomatoes, liquid smoke (if using), ancho chilli and chocolate powder. Sir together. Add the chunks of beef. Stir, lower the heat right down and cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart. Remember to stir every so often to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pot. For the last 5 minutes, add the can of beans and heat through. The sauce should be thick and dark by the time it is finished. If it starts sticking too much or you prefer something thinner, just add some water or beef stock to taste.
Serve with rice or a side of baked carrots in feta sauce like I did.
Mexican stores that sell chillies
The Cool Chile Co https://www.coolchile.co.uk/
Mestizo (as well as the website that offers delivery, they also have a shop in London, that is worth a visit, with helpful staff) https://mestizomarket.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwse-DBhC7ARIsAI8YcWKZ7ifRJ_6Lrf05mkFjJnw5_KLBY9SouS2g3MaYBxi8UkuRHDItixMaAqINEALw_wcB
Comments