Carne Adobada

Carne Adobada Recipe - Authentic Mexican Spareribs with Chili Powder and Garlic

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carne Adobada is a traditional Mexican dish that features marinated spareribs cooked to perfection. The combination of chili powder, garlic, oregano, and vinegar creates a flavorful and tender meat dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Carne Adobada has its roots in Mexican cuisine, where marinating meat in a spicy and tangy sauce has been a common practice for centuries. The use of chili powder and vinegar in the marinade is a nod to the indigenous flavors of Mexico, creating a dish that is both delicious and culturally significant.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) loin cut spareribs
4 tbsp chili powder
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tbsp oregano
3 tbsp salt
4 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp water

How to prepare

Trim the fat from the meat.
Combine the seasonings and water to make a paste.
Add a little more water if needed.
Rub the mixture over the meat, coating it evenly.
Marinate the meat in a closed container for at least 24 hours, refrigerated.
Place the ribs in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour at 350°F (177°C) or until tender.
Variation: Barbecue the ribs over medium coals, turning them often, for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Variations

Substitute pork shoulder or beef chuck for the spareribs for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the marinade for a fresh and colorful twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim the fat from the meat before marinating to ensure a lean and tender result.

- Marinate the meat for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- For a smoky flavor, consider barbecuing the ribs over medium coals instead of baking them in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carne Adobada with rice, beans, and a side of fresh salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the ribs in the oven results in tender and juicy meat, while barbecuing them over coals adds a smoky flavor.

- Slow cooking the ribs in a crockpot can also result in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of white vinegar for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out chili powder for chipotle powder for a smokier and spicier marinade.

Make Ahead Tips

Carne Adobada can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carne Adobada on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carne Adobada with a cold Mexican beer or a glass of red wine to complement the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carne Adobada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carne Adobada contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the portion.

Carbohydrates

Carne Adobada is a low-carb dish, with minimal carbohydrates coming from the seasonings and marinade ingredients.

Fats

The spareribs used in Carne Adobada are a fatty cut of meat, so the dish is higher in fats. However, trimming the fat before cooking can help reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

Spareribs are a rich source of protein, making Carne Adobada a protein-packed dish that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

The seasonings used in Carne Adobada, such as garlic and oregano, provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and iron.

Alergens

Carne Adobada may contain allergens such as garlic and vinegar. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Carne Adobada is a flavorful and protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates but higher in fats. It provides essential vitamins and minerals while offering a satisfying and delicious meal option.

Summary

Carne Adobada is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that features marinated spareribs cooked to perfection. With a rich blend of spices and seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from a trip to Mexico to visit some family. While I was there, my Tia Lupe had prepared a delicious dish called Carne Adobada for a family gathering, and I couldn't get enough of it.

The flavors of the dish were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The meat was tender and juicy, with a rich, smoky flavor that lingered on my taste buds long after the meal was over. I had to know how she made it.

So, I asked my Tia Lupe for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that Carne Adobada was a traditional Mexican dish that had been passed down through generations in our family. The marinade was a combination of dried chilies, garlic, vinegar, and spices that had been carefully blended together to create a flavorful paste that would tenderize the meat and infuse it with bold flavors.

I watched as Tia Lupe prepared the marinade, grinding the dried chilies into a fine powder and mixing them with the other ingredients. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

After the meat had marinated for several hours, Tia Lupe cooked it on a hot grill until it was perfectly charred and caramelized. The smell of the sizzling meat filled the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement as she plated the dish and served it with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole.

I took my first bite of the Carne Adobada, and it was like a burst of flavors exploding in my mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, with a slight tanginess from the vinegar and a subtle heat from the dried chilies. I savored every bite, not wanting the meal to end.

From that moment on, Carne Adobada became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to my roots and to the generations of women who had come before me, passing down this recipe with love and care.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the recipe, adding my own twist to make it my own. I have experimented with different types of meat, varying the spices and seasonings, and even trying out different cooking methods. But no matter how I prepare it, Carne Adobada always brings me back to that warm summer day in Mexico, when I first fell in love with this dish.

As I sit here now, preparing to make Carne Adobada for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my family. I know that as long as I continue to cook this dish, the memories and traditions of my ancestors will live on, nourishing the bodies and souls of those who come after me.

So, as I gather the ingredients and begin to prepare the marinade, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude. For Carne Adobada is more than just a recipe – it is a connection to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a gift that I am honored to pass on to future generations. And as the aromas of the cooking meat fill the kitchen, I know that my Tia Lupe and all those who came before her are smiling down on me, proud of the legacy that I am carrying forward.