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High Desert Everything Marinade

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This is a marinade that celebrates the flavors of New Mexico and at the same time is highly versatile and can be used on all kinds of foods with equally delightful results.

Ingredients

Units
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 24 dried chipotle chiles depending on size
  • 4 garlic cloves, skin left on
  • 1 large lime, zest only
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, stems, and leaves roughly chopped
  • 2 t. honey
  • 1/2 t. Cumin, ground or seeds
  • 1/2 t. Coriander, ground or seeds
  • 1/4 c. plain yogurt
  • 1 T. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the whole peel-on garlic cloves and both types of chile. In a separate kettle or pot bring around 2 cups of water to a boil. The garlic will take longer to brown on all sides, but keep your eye on the chiles. We want them to smell fragrant and slightly brown on all sides but not char. Remove the chiles and place them on a clean board or plate. Remove the stems and seeds (or leave the seeds if you like it hot) and place them in a heat-proof bowl and pour over hot water to cover them. Let the chiles relax in the hot water for around 20 minutes.
  2. While the chiles are soaking in their bath, prepare the rest of the marinade. Once the garlic is finished toasting on all sides, carefully remove the cloves from the pot and when cool enough to handle, the cloves should slip right out of their skins.  Add the garlic cloves to a blender or food processor (I use my nutri-bullet).
  3. Now add the lime zest, cilantro, honey, cumin, coriander, yogurt, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Once the chiles are finished soaking, remove them from the water and add this to the blender as well. Blend until smooth. Viola! A marinade that shouldn’t be confused with the word serenade even though it’s sure to make whatever you’re cooking sing.