🌶️ Pork Chile Verde (Mexican Green Pork Stew)
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (stovetop)
🍽️ Serves: 6
✅ Ingredients:
For the Pork:
-
2.5 to 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
-
1½ tsp salt
-
1 tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
2 tbsp oil (for searing)
For the Chile Verde Sauce:
-
1½ lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed
-
2–3 jalapeños or serrano chiles, stemmed (adjust for heat)
-
1–2 poblano peppers, seeded and halved
-
1 small white onion, quartered
-
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
-
½ cup fresh cilantro
-
1 tsp oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
-
1½ cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
Salt to taste
🔥 Instructions:
1. Roast the Vegetables:
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
On a baking sheet, place tomatillos, peppers, onion, and garlic.
-
Roast for 15–20 minutes until everything is blistered and softened. Remove garlic skins once cooled.
2. Blend the Sauce:
-
Add roasted veggies, garlic (peeled), cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and chicken broth to a blender.
-
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt.
3. Sear the Pork:
-
Season pork cubes with salt, pepper, and cumin.
-
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
-
Sear pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Simmer:
-
Return pork to the pot. Pour in the green sauce and bring to a simmer.
-
Cover partially, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
Optional: Add a splash more broth or water if sauce reduces too much.
🍽️ How to Serve:
-
With warm tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried or whole pinto beans
-
Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices
-
Serve as a burrito filling, over nachos, or in tacos
📝 Tips:
-
Make ahead: Tastes even better the next day.
-
Slow cooker version: Sear pork first, then cook everything on low for 6–8 hours.
-
Spicy version: Add more serranos or leave seeds in for extra heat.
Want a version with potatoes or a shortcut using canned salsa verde? I can do that too.