🌶️🔥 MEXICAN CHILE COLORADO RIBS with NOPALES — Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender in SMOKY RED SAUCE!

dried guajillo chiles

🥗Healthier: fresh bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh bell peppers provide a milder flavor, while canned tomatoes can be more accessible.

pork ribs

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs are lower in fat, and pork shoulder is often less expensive.

dried ancho chiles

🥗Healthier: fresh poblano chiles

💰Cheaper: canned chipotle

Fresh poblano chiles are milder, and canned chipotle can add smokiness.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lighter, while seasoned water can reduce costs.

Rinse the nopales thoroughly.

Chop the nopales into small squares or thin strips.

Add 1/4 onion, a bunch of cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of salt to the nopales.

Cover the nopales with water and boil for at least 2 minutes.

After boiling, cover and turn off the stove, letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Drain the nopales and let them sit for a couple of minutes to remove excess liquid.

Remove the onion and cilantro from the nopales and set aside.

Prepare the red sauce by rinsing the chile de arbol and removing the skin.

In a pot, add 1/4 onion, 2 garlic cloves, and water, then boil for 5 minutes.

Add 5 chile de arbol to the boiling mixture.

Blend the mixture until smooth, adding 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt to taste, along with a splash of the boiling liquid for thickness.

Cut the pork ribs into small pieces between the bones.

In a pot, add the pork ribs, 2 garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, and enough water to cover the ribs.

Cook the ribs covered on medium-low heat for about 45 minutes.

Once the water has reduced more than half and the meat is tender, uncover the pot.

Add 1 tablespoon of lard and let the ribs cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Once crispy, add the nopales and the red sauce to the pot, mixing well.

Cook for at least 3 more minutes, then taste and adjust salt if necessary.

Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: