Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 - 4 lbs chuck roast
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 2-3 bay leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To Make the Braising Liquid ---

2. 2

   Place the vinegar, lime juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt and cloves in a small food processor or blender. Puree on high speed until smooth.

3. 3

   --- The Beef ---

4. 4

   Trim the extra fat from the meat and cut it into big chunks (about 2-2.5 inches pieces). Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   In a large heavy bottom pot or a Dutch oven over medium high heat, heat up the oil. Add the meat in batches and sear until golden brown.

6. 6

   Return all the meat to the pot and add the spicy braising mix over it. Add the broth and the bay leaves. Mix well to combine. Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 hours or until the meat flakes easily; giving it a stir every 30 minutes during the cooking process.

7. 7

   Turn off the heat and shred the meat with a couple of forks (it should be tender enough to flake easily).

8. 8

   Before serving, let the shredded meat simmer over low heat for about 15 extra minutes.