Caramelized Pasilla Brisket includes dried pasilla chiles, tomatillos and brown sugar. It will take 4.5 hours or more to prepare.
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces (about 5 to 6) dried pasilla chiles stemmed and seeded
3 pounds beef brisket trimmed
2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt divided
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos husked, rinsed, quartered
1 large white onion cut into chunks
10 garlic cloves peeled
4 cups chicken broth
4 ounces (or 1/2 cup) grated piloncillo or brown sugar
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes halved
1 1/2 pounds carrots peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
Greens of your choice for salad
Freshly squeezed lime juice and olive oil to dress the salad
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
Heat up a comal or skillet over medium heat, then toast the pasilla chiles for about 1 to 2 minutes, flipping with tongs as they toast. Remove from heat and place in a bowl.
Season the meat with 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat oil in a large casserole or roasting pan set over high heat. Brown the meat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the toasted pasilla chiles, tomatillos, onion, garlic, chicken broth, piloncillo, the remaining teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure chiles are covered with the broth.
Cover and seal tight with a lid or aluminum foil. Place in the oven and braise for 3 to 3-and-a-half hours, or until meat is tender. Remove from the oven. Remove the meat and place on a chopping board.
In a pot with salted boiling water, cook the potatoes and the carrots for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Drain and reserve.
Pour all the remaining contents of the roasting pan into the jar of a blender and puree until completely smooth. Pour the sauce back into roasting pan.
Slice the meat against the grain into about 1/2 to 3/4-inch slices and return it to the roasting pan. Add the potatoes and carrots, cover everything with the sauce. Cover the dish and return to oven for another 30 minutes. Remove the lid or aluminum foil, return to the oven and cook uncovered for another 30 minutes.
Toss the greens of your choice with lime juice and olive oil to taste. Serve the brisket with the side salad.
