Ingredients

4 tsp olive oil

1 small fresh chorizo sausage (3 oz) removed from its casing (optional)

1 3/4 lb boneless beef sirloin (choose the most marbled) or boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 chunks

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup ancho chili powder

2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 tbsp red-wine vinegar

1 tsp coarse salt

2 tbsp cornmeal

Preparation

  1. In a 5-quart pot, heat 2 tsp of the oil on medium. Add chorizo and cook until it has rendered it’s fat. Remove it to a bowl with a slotted spoon.

  2. Working in 2 batches, add the meat to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the chorizo.

  3. Add the onion, garlic, and remaining 2 tsp of oil and cook, stirring frequently until the onion is tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and oregano, and cook 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and vinegar.

  4. Return the meat to the pot along with 1 1/4 cups of water and the salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender, about 1 hr. Stir in the corn meal and simmer until lightly thickened, about 5 minutes.