| 2 | ts | Cumin seeds |
| 10 | | Whole allspice |
| 1/3 | c | Dried oaxacan oregano* or 1 tablespoon dried mexican oregano or regular oregano, crumbled |
| 1 | ts | Whole cloves or 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves |
| 2 | tb | Fresh thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons crumbled dried thyme |
| 1 | lg | Onion |
| 10 | | Garlic cloves |
| 4 | oz | (dried) guajillo chiles* (about 16 large) |
| 1/2 | c | Cider vinegar |
| 1 | ts | Salt |
| 1/3 | c | Water |
| 6 | lb | Piece lamb shoulder; (up to 7) |
| | Freshly ground black pepper |
| 30 | lg | Dried avocado leaves* (about 1/2 ounce) |
| 2 | c | Chicken broth |
| 1 | cn | (28 oz) whole tomatoes including juice, (up to 32-ounce) |
