Instructions: 4 First-course servings

1.In a nonreactive medium saucepan, cover the chiles with water and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let soak until soft, 5 more minutes. Drain.

2.Pour 1/4 cup of the chicken stock into the blender, add the cloves, garlic and cumin seeds and blend until smooth. Season with salt. Add 1 more cup of the stock and the drained chiles, a few at a time, and blend until smooth, adding more stock if necessary.

3.Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan. Add the pasta and fry, turning, until it has turned a deep golden color, about 3 minutes (keep the nests intact). Strain off excess oil.

4.Add the blended sauce to the pasta in the skillet and fry over moderate heat for about 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Cover and cook over low heat, adding the remaining stock a little at a time to prevent sticking, until the pasta is just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes.

5.Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with the cheese and serve with the avocado and limes.

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