Pork Chili Verde Recipe: A Traditional Mexican Delight
Introduction
Pork Chili Verde, a quintessential dish in Mexican cuisine, offers a rich and flavorful experience with its combination of tender pork and a vibrant green chili sauce. This traditional recipe is cherished for its comforting warmth and savory taste, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. The following is a detailed recipe to prepare this delightful stew.
Ingredients
To make Pork Chili Verde, you will 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 chili peppers, seeded
- 1 poblano chili 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
- Prepare the Pork: Heat a large pot over high heat and add oil. Once the oil is nearly smoking, sear the pork cubes until browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Incorporate the oregano, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, stirring until the spices release their aroma, approximately 2 minutes.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine tomatillos, jalapeños, poblano, garlic, and cilantro with chicken stock. Blend the mixture until it is smooth.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the seared pork to the pot and pour in the blended sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add the Potatoes: Add the quartered potatoes to the pot, along with the remaining salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue simmering until the pork and potatoes are tender, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve: Garnish the stew with sour cream, pickled red onions, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.
Conclusion
Pork Chili Verde is a classic Mexican stew that brings together the richness of tender pork and the tangy, flavorful green chili sauce. This dish is perfect for any meal and offers a comforting, hearty experience that is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexico in your own home with this traditional recipe.