Quick Birria Consomé

Step 1

Pour 6 cups beef broth into a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat — the surface will move and bubble vigorously, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Place the 4 dried guajillo chiles into the boiling broth and reduce heat to medium-low; let them soften for 5 minutes until flexible and fragrant.

Step 3

Remove the softened chiles from the broth with a slotted spoon and place them in a blender along with 1 cup of the hot broth.

Step 4

Blend the chiles and broth on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth, with no visible flecks.

Step 5

Pour the blended chile mixture back into the pot with the remaining broth, stirring to combine evenly.

Step 6

Add the 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon cumin to the pot and stir once.

Step 7

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat — you'll see small bubbles breaking at the surface every 1–2 seconds, about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until the beef is tender and a piece breaks easily when pressed with a spoon.

Step 9

Taste the consomé and add salt and pepper to taste — start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and adjust as needed.

Step 10

Ladle the consomé and beef into bowls and serve hot.