How to Make Delicious Pork Chili Verde: A Flavorful Mexican Stew
Are you craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Pork Chili Verde! This traditional Mexican stew combines tender pieces of pork with a rich and tangy green chile sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
What is Pork Chili Verde?
Pork Chili Verde, also known as Green Pork Chili, is a popular Mexican dish made with pork shoulder or pork loin that’s slow-cooked in a savory salsa verde sauce. The result is a tender, flavorful stew that’s perfect for serving with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.
Ingredients
To make Pork Chili Verde, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 10 fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 3 jalapeño chile peppers, seeded
- 1 poblano chile pepper, seeded
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup packed cilantro leaves
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup sour cream (for garnish)
- ½ cup pickled red onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over high heat until nearly smoking. Add pork cubes in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add oregano, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine tomatillos, jalapeños, poblano, garlic, and cilantro with chicken stock. Blend until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Return the pork to the pot, add the blended sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes: Add potatoes, remaining salt, and black pepper. Simmer until pork and potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve: Garnish individual servings with sour cream, pickled red onions, and cilantro.
Tips for Perfect Pork Chili Verde
- Searing the pork: Don’t skip the step of browning the pork. It adds extra flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
- Roasting the vegetables: Roasting the tomatillos and peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Slow cooking: The longer you cook the pork, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Consider using a slow cooker if you prefer.
Conclusion
Pork Chili Verde is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this flavorful stew is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, authentic flavors of Mexico right in your own kitchen!