Carne en su Jugo (Braised Beef in a Tomatillo Broth)

Step 1

Preheat 1 tablespoon of olive oil to medium/high heat for a few minutes. Season the beef chunks with 1 teaspoon each of the spices listed and set aside. Add the bacon first and cook until crisp. Remove from pan and set aside. Add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sear the beef until good and browned on all sides.

Step 2

While beef is searing, combine the tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, serranos, bay leaves, 2 cups of water or broth, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in the blender. Blend on high until smooth.

Step 3

Add the sauce to the beef along with remaining 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. At this time, I like to re-season to taste with the spices listed.

Step 4

Cover and continue cooking for 1 hour or until beef is tender. I add in the beans about 20 minutes before serving or you can add some beans into the bottom of bowl, then ladle the beef and sauce over the top.

Step 5

Garnish as you like with onions, cilantro, radishes and avocado. Serve with warm corn tortillas. Yields up to 6 servings.