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Birria | Traditional Stew From Jalisco, Mexico | TasteAtlas

Birria

Birria is a traditional, slow-cooked goat (although it can also be made with beef, lamb, mutton, or chicken) stew originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco. Colloquially, birria means mess, used in context to refer to anything of inferior quality, indicating the working-class origins of this humble dish.


The slow-cooking method ensures that the meat is extremely tender. Other ingredients in the stew include roasted chili peppers, garlic, cumin, bay leaves, and thyme. On street stands, known as birrierias, birria is served only in the mornings, since it has a reputation of being a great hangover cure.


It is commonly served with corn tortillas and garnished with onions, coriander, and lime wedges, especially on Christmas, New Year, and wedding menus, where this flavorful stew is also commonly consumed.