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

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Trim beef cheek meat and cut into bite-size pieces.
2. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, fry bacon until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and set aside.
3. Add cheek meat pieces to Dutch oven and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef starts to release its juices, about 10 minutes
4. While beef is cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tomatillos and peppers and cook, turning occasionally, until peppers and tomatillos are starting to char and burst, about 5 minutes. Transfer tomatillos and peppers to a blender bowl. Add onion, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, and ½ cup chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
5. Add pureed tomatillo mixture and remaining 3½ cups broth to Dutch oven and stir to blend. Partially cover with lid and simmer over low heat for 2 hours until cheek meat is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
6. Serve carne en su jugo ladled into wide shallow bowls. Top each bowl with warm pinto beans, reserved diced bacon, and choice of fresh toppings such as sliced avocado, sliced radishes and chopped cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas and fresh lime wedges, if desired