Birria de chivo is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in Jalisco. It’s known for its bold, spiced flavor, thanks to the blend of chilies and aromatic spices used in its preparation. While traditionally made for special occasions, today it’s enjoyed any time of the year.

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🕰️ History

Birria dates back to the 16th century, during the Spanish colonization of Mexico. Indigenous communities began cooking goat meat—abundant but considered of lower quality—to make it more flavorful. They seasoned it with native spices and chilies, then slow-cooked it in underground ovens, creating a rich, flavorful stew that eventually became a symbol of Mexican cuisine.

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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 10 servings)

• 2 kg goat meat (leg, ribs, or shoulder)

• 6 guajillo chiles

• 4 ancho chiles

• 2–3 árbol chiles (optional, for more heat)

• 6 garlic cloves

• 1 large white onion

• 4 medium tomatoes

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 whole cloves

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• 1 small stick of cinnamon

• 1 liter beef broth or water

• Salt and pepper to taste

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🌮 To Serve:

• Corn tortillas

• Fresh limes

• Chopped cilantro

• Chopped onion

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ 1. Prepare the Meat

Clean and cut the goat meat into medium-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best.

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✅ 2. Hydrate the Chilies

Remove the seeds and veins from the guajillo, ancho, and árbol chiles. Boil them in hot water for about 10 minutes, or until softened.

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✅ 3. Make the Sauce

Blend the softened chilies with the tomatoes, garlic, onion, cloves, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and a bit of broth or water until smooth.

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✅ 4. Cook the Birria

In a large pot or clay casserole dish, place the meat and pour the sauce over it. Add bay leaves and enough broth to cover the meat.
Simmer over low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily falls off the bone.

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🔥 Optional: Oven Roasting (Traditional Method)

After cooking, you can place the meat on a baking tray and roast in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes to give it a golden finish.

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✅ 5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the birria in bowls along with its broth. Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy with warm corn tortillas.

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📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Approximate Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 500 mg

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🌿 Nutritional Benefits

• High in protein – Great for muscle maintenance and repair.

• Rich in micronutrients – Contains iron and zinc from the meat.

• Gluten-free – Suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• No goat meat? You can substitute with beef or lamb.

• For even deeper flavor, let the cooked birria rest for a few hours before serving.

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Goat birria is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that celebrates the richness of Mexican cuisine.
Enjoy it with your family and friends!