Pork and Poblano Stew

In a dutch oven, combine the pork ribs, rump roast, and water (add more if needed to cover the meat). Sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil over high, then throw in the onion, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and fresh oregano sprigs. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes.



Using a slotted spoon or kitchen tongs, remove the onion, garlic and ginger and set aside in a separate bowl. Remove the bay leaves and oregano stems and discard. Add in the ‘riced’ cabbage and almond flour, stir to combine. Cover and simmer over medium low for another 1 hour and 30 minutes.



While the stew is simmering, place the chiles in a large pot that has been heated over medium heat. Toast the chiles, tossing occasionally, until they begin so smoke slightly and blister, about 5 minutes. Carefully add water to cover the chiles and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Using kitchen tongs, remove the chiles from the liquid and set them aside. Allow the chili liquid to cool slightly and set aside.



Transfer the chiles and 1/2 cup chili cooking liquid to a blender, or a bowl if using an immersion blender. Add the reserved onion, garlic, and ginger plus a ladle-full of broth from the meat pot to the blender. Process until smooth, adding more chili liquid if needed to get a texture that resembles apple sauce. Pour through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, stirring and pressing with a rubber spatula if needed. Discard the solids.



In a small pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium. Carefully add the strained chili mixture to the hot oil and stir to combine. Cover partially and cook until reduced by half while stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes. The color will deepen into a deep greenish brown. Remove from heat and set aside.


When the meat mixture has finished simmering, take out the bones and any cartilage, discard. Using a large spoon or spatula and fork, break up the pork and beef until it resembles pulled meat. Be on the lookout for any smaller bones that you may have missed and remove them. Stir in the chili sauce and bring to a simmer over medium-low. Cook for another hour, uncovered, stirring occasionally until mixture boils down to a thick stew. 



Ladle into bowls. Garnish with diced avocado, cotija cheese, and lime zest.


Note: Use a serrated knife to cut the beef into cubes. A serrated knife with make clean, easy cuts through chilled beef.