Ingredients

  • 8 whole cloves, or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 3 jalapeNo chiles
  • 6 large tomatillos, husks removed
  • 1 small onion, cut into chunks
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 fresh marjoram sprigs
  • 6 cups chicken or pork stock
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) fresh masa, or 6 tablespoons masa harina mixed to a smooth paste with 1 cup water
  • 1 medium-size bunch flat-leaf parsley
  • Eight 6-inch sprigs of fresh epazote or 1/4 cup crumbled dried epazote
  • 3 large or 5 medium fresh hoja santa leaves, or 5 dried leaves

Method

  • In an electric coffee grinder or spice mill, or in a mortar, grind the whole cloves and cumin together.
  • In a blender combine the ground spices with the chiles, tomatillos, onion, garlic, thyme, marjoram, and 1/2 cup of the stock.
  • Blend on high until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • 2.
  • Put the remaining stock in a large saucepan and bring to a boil; adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Add the pureed mixture to the hot stock and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Thin the masa by mixing it with 1 cup water.
  • Whisk the thinned masa into the sauce and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly.
  • Cook uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally.
  • If lumps form, strain the sauce through a medium-mesh sieve, pushing with a spoon to force the lumpy bits through.
  • The sauce should thicken to the consistency of whipping cream; if necessary, raise the heat slightly to reduce and thicken it.
  • Put the parsley, epazote and hoja santa in a blender or food processor; if using a blender, add a few tablespoons of water to facilitate blending.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Add the puree to the sauce and bring back to a simmer.
  • Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.