Birria

1. 1

   * Note: Fresh masa is available at the meat counter of Latino markets. Banana leaves are sold at Latino and Asian markets.

2. 2

   For the Adobo Paste: Roast ancho and guajillo chiles in dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Slice open and remove seeds and veins. Heat water in 6-quart saucepan over medium heat and add chiles. Simmer 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain chiles; reserve water. In blender or food processor, puree chiles, garlic, onions, cumin seeds, ginger, oregano, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, thyme, bay leaves, salt and vinegar in batches to form thick paste. If too thick, add a little cooking water.

4. 4

   For the Lamb: Cut banana leaf into 6 to 8 pieces small enough to fit into deep-sided roasting pan. Brush pieces with oil, stack and wrap them in foil. Roast at 425 degrees until leaf pieces are soft and pliable, 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Coat lamb with lard, making sure pieces are well covered. Let stand 30 minutes. Spread Adobo Paste over chunks, working it into lamb so all pieces are covered. Let stand 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Line bottom and sides of deep-sided roasting pan with most of roasted banana leaf pieces. Place lamb chunks on top. Cover with remaining leaf pieces.

7. 7

   Place foil on work surface and roll masa out so it's large enough to cover lamb and leaf pieces and just fit inside roasting pan. Lift foil and invert masa onto leaf pieces, then peel away foil. Cover pan with lid.

8. 8

   Fill shallow pan with water and place on lower oven rack so it will be beneath roasting pan. Bake lamb at 350 degrees until tender, 3 to 4 hours. Start checking lamb after 3 hours by carefully lifting edge of masa to remove meat chunk; if lamb is not tender, pack masa back around lamb and continue to cook, checking again after 10 to 15 minutes.

9. 9

   For the Soup: Place tomatoes in baking dish and roast at 425 degrees until tender and slightly charred, about 45 minutes. When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, blend tomatoes, garlic, onions and oregano in blender until smooth, in batches, if necessary.

10. 10

    Heat oil in large saucepan over high heat and cook tomato mixture 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broth. Season to taste with salt, if necessary. Simmer soup 30 minutes to meld flavors.

No additional tips available.