Goat in Chilli Marinade, Pit-Barbecue Style

Ingredients for Goat in Chilli Marinade, Pit-Barbecue Style

• 110g guajillo chillies (about 16 large chillies), tops and seeds removed

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves, or 3/4 teaspoons ground

• 10 allspice berries

• 50g dried Oaxacan oregano or 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano, crumbled

• 12 to 15 large sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only), or 2 teaspoons dried

• 10 garlic cloves

• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped

• 120ml cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, plus additional for seasoning goat

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 450g goat, quartered, or 6 to 3.6kg lamb shoulder, bone in, trimmed

• 1/2 to 20g dried avocado leaves, about 30 large leaves

How to make Goat in Chilli Marinade, Pit-Barbecue Style

Wash and griddle-dry the chillies by the directions below. Place in a deep bowl and cover generously with boiling water. Let soak for at least 20 minutes.

Grind the cumin, cloves, allspice, oregano, and dried thyme (if using) together in an electric coffee or spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

Drain the soaked chillies. Working in batches as necessary, place them in a blender with the ground herbs and spices (add fresh thyme at this point if using), garlic, onion, vinegar, salt, and about 120ml water (or enough to facilitate the action of the blades). Process to a smooth purée (about 3 minutes on high), stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. With a wooden spoon or pusher, for the purée through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl. It should have the consistency of a thick but still moist paste.

Season the pieces of goat or lamb with salt and pepper. Slather the seasoning paste all over the meat. Arrange in a large bowl (or any non-reactive container that's large enough), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. Remove from the refrigerator about 2 hours before beginning the cooking, to let the meat come to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 163°C.

Choose a deep roasting pan or baking dish large enough to hold the meat snugly. Scatter half of the avocado leaves across the bottom of the pan and arrange the meat on them. Scatter the remaining leaves over the meat. Cover the pan (wrapping very tightly with several layers of foil if there is no lid) and bake 6 to 7 hours (4 to 4 1/2 hours for the lamb). The meat should be almost falling off the bone.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.