A Taste of the Sierra: Mexico's Hearty Garlic & Wine Goat Stew (Cabrito en Salsa de Ajo)
Details
This dish, hailing from the northeastern states of Coahuila and Nuevo León, is a true celebration of Mexican ranch-style cooking. Perfect for garlic lovers, this recipe transforms simple, hearty ingredients into a spectacular stew. Young goat meat is slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then bathed in a vibrant, garlicky sauce made from tomatoes, chiles, and aromatic spices. It's a deeply comforting meal that showcases the robust flavors of Northern Mexico.
Ingredients
Instructions
Tenderize the Goat
Place the goat pieces in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add one half of the onion, the entire head of garlic, the bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt. Cover completely with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Once cooked, remove the goat meat from the pot and set it aside. Strain and reserve the cooking broth.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce
While the goat is cooking, boil the tomatoes in a separate pot until they are soft. Transfer the cooked tomatoes to a blender. Add the remaining 5 cloves of garlic, the cumin, oregano, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you have a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
Assemble the Stew
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or traditional clay cazuela, melt the pork lard over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cooked goat pieces and brown them on all sides. Add the remaining half of the onion (now sliced) and the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Simmer and Serve
Pour the blended garlic-tomato sauce over the goat and vegetables. Stir everything together gently and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stew cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in deep bowls, accompanied by warm corn tortillas to soak up the delicious sauce.
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