How to Cook Barbacoa in a Brick Oven: A Unique Culinary Experience in Albuquerque

At Sherwood Coffee 'n' Bread, we believe in the magic of shared culinary experiences, especially when it involves our beloved brick oven. Nestled in the heart of Albuquerque, our home-based roastery and bakery offer more than just fresh coffee and bread - we provide a space for people to come together and create unforgettable dishes.

In this post, we'll take you through the process of making delicious barbacoa in our brick oven, perfect for those looking for a unique and flavorful cooking adventure. If you're in Albuquerque or New Mexico and interested in hands-on cooking classes, this is for you!

Why Barbacoa in a Brick Oven?

Cooking barbacoa in a brick oven brings out an unmatched depth of flavor. The even heat distribution and the smoky essence of the brick oven enhance the rich, spicy notes of this traditional dish. It's not just about the food; it's about the experience of cooking together, learning new techniques, and enjoying the process. Our cooking classes in Albuquerque offer the perfect opportunity to dive into this culinary journey.

If you can't attend one of our classes or want to try making barbacoa at home, don't worry! This recipe is perfect for home cooks too. With a few adjustments for a conventional oven, you can still achieve delicious results. Follow the steps below to bring the flavors of our brick oven barbacoa to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 5 lb. pork butt roast
• 6-7 dry chipotle peppers
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10-11 cloves, ground
• Whole head of garlic, about 12 cloves
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 Tbsp cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp oregano
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Handful of cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chipotle Peppers: Start by soaking the dry chipotle peppers in warm water until they are soft. Once softened, blend them in a blender to create a smooth paste.
2. Make the Sauce: Grind all the spices (cumin, oregano, cloves, black pepper, and salt) together. In a large bowl, mix the ground spices with the chipotle paste, chopped onion, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, beef broth, and chopped cilantro to form a rich marinade.
3. Prepare the Meat: Trim any excess fat from the pork butt roast. Place the meat in a large Dutch oven.
4. Marinate the Meat: Pour the marinade over the pork butt, ensuring it's well-coated. Let the meat marinate for a few hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
5. Heat the Brick Oven: Preheat your brick oven to 275°F. This low and slow cooking method is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful barbacoa.
6. Cook the Barbacoa: Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the Dutch oven with the marinated pork inside. Cook the meat for 6-8 hours or overnight, depending on your schedule and desired tenderness. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to blend together beautifully and the meat to become incredibly tender.

Enjoying Your Barbacoa

After the long, slow cook, your barbacoa will be ready to enjoy. The aroma alone will be irresistible! Shred the meat and serve it with fresh tortillas, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings. Whether you're enjoying it with family, friends, or fellow cooking class participants, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Join Our Cooking Classes

If you’re in Albuquerque and looking for a unique culinary experience, join one of our cooking classes at Sherwood Coffee 'n' Bread. Learn how to make this barbacoa recipe and other delightful dishes in our brick oven. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded food enthusiasts and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience.

For more information about our classes and offerings, contact us or give us a call at (505) 750-1144. We look forward to cooking with you!

The Cultural Significance of Barbacoa

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish with deep cultural roots. Historically, it was prepared by slow-cooking meat in a pit covered with maguey leaves, which imparted a unique flavor. This method, originating from indigenous cooking techniques, was designed to make tougher cuts of meat tender and flavorful. Today, while the methods have evolved, the essence of barbacoa remains the same - it's a dish meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.

A Personal Note from Igor

At Sherwood Coffee 'n' Bread, our brick oven is more than just a cooking tool - it's a symbol of community and shared passion for food. Some of my fondest memories are from my childhood in Uzbekistan, where communal cooking was a way of life.

This tradition inspired me to build our brick oven and bring people together through food. When you cook barbacoa with us, you're not just making a meal; you're becoming part of a tradition that spans across cultures and generations.

Conclusion

Making barbacoa in a brick oven is more than just a recipe - it's an experience that brings people together. At Sherwood Coffee 'n' Bread, we're excited to share our passion for cooking and community with you. Try this recipe at home or join us for a class to make it together. Happy cooking!