Pork and Green Chili Recipe

Picture a simmering pot of pork green chili, its savory aroma filling your kitchen with notes of roasted chilies and cumin.

This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make, offering a cozy indulgence that’s sure to become a household favorite.

As the pork tenderizes and absorbs the rich flavors over hours of slow cooking, something truly magical unfolds.

Ready to create this delightful meal? Let’s bring this dish to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 ladle

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup roasted green chilies, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Pork Green Chili, you can follow this detailed timeline:

Preparation and Cooking Timeline

  1. Reading and Understanding the Recipe:
    • Time Needed: 5 minutes
    • Activity: Read through the recipe to understand the steps and gather ingredients.
  2. Preparation:
    • Time Needed: 20 minutes
    • Activities:
    • Gather all equipment (large pot, knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, measuring cup, ladle).
    • Cube the pork shoulder.
    • Dice the onion.
    • Mince the garlic.
    • Chop the roasted green chilies.
    • Chop the fresh cilantro.
  3. Cooking:
    • Total Cook Time: 2 hours
    • Activities:
    • 0-10 minutes: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear cubed pork shoulder until browned on all sides. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
    • 10-15 minutes: In the same pot, sauté diced onion and garlic until onion is translucent.
    • 15-20 minutes: Return pork to the pot, add chicken broth, and stir to combine.
    • 20-30 minutes: Stir in roasted green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • 30 minutes – 2 hours: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is tender. (You can spend this time preparing any sides or cleaning up).
  4. Resting:
    • Time Needed: 10 minutes
    • Activity: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Final Touches:
    • Time Needed: 5 minutes
    • Activity: Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add cubed pork shoulder and sear until browned on all sides.

Remove pork from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.

Return pork to the pot and add chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Stir in roasted green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender.

Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Warm Tortillas: Serve the pork green chili with soft, warm tortillas for a delightful Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Steamed Rice: Pair the chili with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Cornbread: Complement the spicy and savory flavors with sweet, crumbly cornbread on the side.
  • Refried Beans: Add a side of refried beans for extra heartiness and authentic Mexican flair.
  • Avocado Slices: Top the dish with fresh avocado slices for a creamy contrast to the spicy chili.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover pork green chili in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Pork Green Chili, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it into airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.

Reheating

When reheating Pork Green Chili, use low heat on the stove or microwave to prevent drying.

Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating and maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Pork Green Chili is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its tender pork and savory spices, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Feel free to experiment with the spice level by adjusting the amount of green chilies used.

Pair it with warm tortillas or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth this dish brings to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?

Absolutely, you can substitute pork shoulder with pork loin or pork butt. These cuts yield tender results while maintaining flavor integrity. Remember, adjust cooking times slightly to guarantee the pork becomes tender and succulent. Enjoy your culinary creation!

What Can I Substitute for Cilantro if I Don’t Like It?

If you don’t fancy cilantro, swap it with fresh parsley for a similar herbaceous note. Alternatively, try basil for a sweet twist or mint for cool freshness. Experiment to discover the perfect complement to your dish!

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

You can transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by substituting pork with hearty cauliflower or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The umami flavors from the veggies will enhance your culinary creation beautifully.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Sear the pork, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Enhance flavors by blooming spices in a skillet first. Finish with cilantro for a vibrant touch.

How Spicy Is This Pork Green Chili Recipe?

You’ll find the spice level moderate, as the roasted green chilies provide a gentle heat balanced by cumin and oregano. Adjust the spice by adding more chilies or opting for hotter varieties to suit your palate.

pork green chili preparation

Pork Green Chili Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder cubed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup roasted green chilies chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add cubed pork shoulder and sear until browned on all sides.
  • Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.
  • Return pork to the pot and add chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  • Stir in roasted green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  • Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender.
  • Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

For an enhanced flavor, consider roasting your own green chilies instead of using canned ones. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. This dish pairs well with warm tortillas or rice.
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