Thread: Mexican Night at the Relleno's

Another big Mexican feast night is in the works at the Relleno house.
I've been keeping it flowing smoothly all day between the smoker, kitchen and couch, can't let it become too much like... work.

As usual a great day needs a great breakfast, and sticking with my Mexican menu I brought a little Tex-Mex to the table with some Migas.
Eggs, Bacon, Onion, Bell Pepper, Jalapeno, Cheese and Chips.
All fried up together for a deliciously crunchy and spicy breakfast.


Anyways, lets crack this bone open and get to the marrow.

Menu
Fuma/Estofado Cachete de Res / Smoked/Braised Beef Cheeks
Pollo Adobado a la Brasa / Marinated/Grilled Chicken
Arroz Negro / Black Rice
Frijoles Negro Charro / Cowboy Black Beans
Pico de gallo, Guacamole y Totopos / Fresh Salsa, Guacamole and Chips
Guarniciones / Garnishes
Mango Fresco / Fresh Mango

Fuma/Estofado Cachete de Res / Smoked/Braised Beef Cheeks
For smoking buy 2-3 times as much as you want to end up with after trimming.
You're going to end up with half or less of what you start with.



This time I marinated over night and then into the smoker over mesquite.

Gave them about 2.5 hours of smoke before pulling them.


Then I added approx 3/4C of beef broth, a can of Rotel and some chopped onion, then wrapped it up tight foil and back into the smoker for a 2-3 more hours.

Let me show you how tender these are
[MEDIA=youtube]Wgeji8Wrhpg[/MEDIA]

Pollo Adobado a la Brasa / Marinated/Grilled Chicken
Chicken thighs marinated in a thick combination of red enchilada sauce and spices.


Then cooked on the grill to in IT of 185° and crisp skin, perfect fro eating whole or shredding into tacos.

Arroz Negro / Black Rice
Take the liquid from the beans and use it to cook your rice, that's really all there is to it.

1lb rice
1 C chopped onion
1C chopped bell pepper
1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced
4C Black Bean liquid
1/2 C oil, bacon grease is my favorite for added flavor
Salt, and other spices, I like cayenne and cumin



In a large stock pot add oil, bring to high heat
Add rice and saute till opaque and golden
Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and continue to saute till the onion softens a little

Add Black Bean liquid and spices, stir well


Bring to boil, then lower heat to simmer, simmer covered for 25-30 minutes


Frijoles Negro Charro / Cowboy Black Beans
Black Beans stewed with smoked pork jowls, roasted veggies and spices
1lb of Pintos, soak overnight
1/4C bacon grease, lard or EVOO
Approx 4C each chicken broth and water, equal parts to cover beans
1 large onion, quartered
1-2 large Roma tomato
1 large Jalapeno chile
1-1/2 Bell peppers chopped
3-5 garlic cloves
2T salt
1T paprika
1-1/2T each Guajillo, Ancho and Arbol chile powders
1t each granulated onion and garlic
1t cumin

Prep 1lb of black beans, add enough chicken stock to just cover, then enough water to bring it a few inches over.
Add diced pork, bacon, jowls, salt pork or whatever you prefer, spice to taste, bring to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a fast simmer for several hours and the beans are tender.
Add back the veggies and

Roast some onion, bell peppers, Jalapeno, tomatoes and garlic.
Then chop it all up and set aside till the beans are almost done before adding back.

Pico de gallo, Guacamole y Totopos / Fresh Salsa, Guacamole and Chips
Homemade Pico de Gallo and Guacamole with Chips
Mild and HOT Pico, I need some fire in my furnace.



Guarniciones / Garnishes
All the standard items, lime wedges, minced chiles, onions, cilantro and fresh salsas.
And a crumbled wheel of queso fresco, yum!

Mango Fresco / Fresh Mango
Fresh sliced mango, so juicy and delicious as it is.
I'm not even going to grill or glaze it.


The Money Shots

Your posts always give me the "HUNGRY 'S " Nice Work Again .