Pipian Rojo Recipe (Mexican Red Pipian Sauce) - Chili Pepper Madness

Ingredients

• 2 medium ancho peppers (stemmed and seeded - or use pasillas, or a combination)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (raw/untoasted)
• ¼ cup sesame seeds (raw/untoasted)
• 3 tablespoons lard (or use vegetable oil - divided)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 corn tortilla (torn (lightly toasted, if desired – for thickening))
• 2 small tomatoes (chopped (optional – omit, if desired))
• 2 cups chicken stock