Pork Braised in Guajillo Chile Sauce
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fine sea or kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 guajillo chilies (see Notes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large Spanish onion, peeled and cut in half through the middle
- 3 fresh plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise through the core
- 1/4 cup canola oil or lard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Put the pork in a heavy Dutch oven large enough to fit it comfortably.
- Pour in enough cold water to cover the meat by 2 inches.
- Add the salt and bay leaf.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.
- Skim off the foam from the surface as necessary.
- Meanwhile, remove the stems from the chilies and tap out the seeds.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add half of the chilies and toast them, turning with tongs until they start to change color and crisp up a bit, about 4 minutes.
- Heat them gently so they dont burn.
- Lift them out and place in a bowl.
- Repeat with the remaining chilies.
- Pour enough boiling water over the toasted chilies to cover them.
- Soak until completely softened, about 20 minutes.
- Drain well.
- While the chilies are soaking, wipe out the skillet with paper towels.
- Place the onion and tomatoes, cut sides down, in the skillet.
- Cook, turning the vegetables as often as necessary, until the tomatoes are blackened on all sides and the onions are blackened on both flat sides.
- After the pork has been cooking for 1 hour, remove 2 cups of the cooking liquid and pour it into a blender jar.
- Add the onions and tomatoes, and puree until smooth.
- Add the chilies and blend until smooth.
- Remove another 2 cups of the cooking liquid and set aside.
- Drain the pork, discarding the remaining liquid, and wipe out the pot.
- Set the pot over medium-low heat and add the canola oil.
- Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour the chili sauce into the pot slowly.
- As it comes to a boil, it will thicken.
- Stir well,especially in the corners, to prevent the sauce from sticking and scorching as it thickens.
- Add the pork and return the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until tender, about 1 hour.
- While the pork is cooking, there should be enough sauce to keep it moistened.
- If not, add the reserved pork cooking liquid as needed.
pork shoulder, salt, bay leaf, guajillo chilies, olive oil, onion, tomatoes, canola oil, flour
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/pork-braised-in-guajillo-chile-sauce (may not work)