
Lamb Barbacoa
In classic preparations of barbacoa, large chunks of meat are coated in a chile-and-vinegar marinade, topped with avocado leaves, wrapped in banana leaves and buried underground in a pit to roast gently. It’s found throughout Mexico, with different seasonings and accompaniments. Geared to home cooks, this recipe roasts the lamb gently in an oven. Wrapping the meat with banana leaves is optional, but they add an earthy aroma that will fool you into thinking you just pulled your barbacoa out of an earthen oven. Serve with warm corn tortillas, minced onion, cilantro and lime wedges, plus a bowl of the cooking liquid set alongside for dipping.
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