Goat Tacos

Ingredients for Goat Tacos

• 3 dried guajillo or New Mexico chillies, wiped clean

• 2 dried ancho chillies, wiped clean

• 450g tomatoes

• 3 1/2 to 1.8kg bone-in goat such as shoulder, neck, or leg

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

• 5 whole black peppercorns

• 3 whole cloves

• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California

• 16 to 24 corn tortillas

• sliced radishes

• crumbled queso fresco

• salsa verde

• thinly sliced cos or iceberg lettuce

• chopped coriander

• chopped white onion

• lime wedges

How to make Goat Tacos

Slit chillies lengthwise, then stem and seed (leave veins for heat). Heat a dry large heavy skillet (not nonstick) over medium heat until hot, then toast chillies in batches, opened flat, turning and pressing with tongs, until more pliable and slightly changed in colour, about 30 seconds per batch.

Transfer chillies to a bowl and soak in hot water until softened, 20 to 30 minutes.

Cut a shallow X in bottom of each tomato and blanch in simmering water 20 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel tomatoes. Coarsely chop, reserving juice.

Preheat oven to 177°C with rack in middle.

Cut goat at joints to separate into pieces and put in a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Sprinkle all over with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Drain chillies, discarding soaking water, and purée in a blender with tomatoes and reserved juice, 3/4 teaspoons salt, and remaining ingredients except tortillas until very smooth, about 1 minute.

Pour sauce over meat, turning to coat, then cover dish tightly with a double layer of foil and braise in oven until meat is very tender, 3 to 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and cool meat in liquid, uncovered, 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 177°C.

Coarsely shred meat, discarding bones, then mix into braising liquid in dish. Return to oven and cook, covered, until sauce is simmering, about 30 minutes more.

Fifteen minutes before goat is done, make 2 stacks of tortillas and wrap each stack in foil, then heat in oven on rack alongside baking dish. Serve goat with warm tortillas and accompaniments.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.