Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this award-winning Chili Verde recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with the fresh, zesty flavors of tomatillos, poblano peppers, and tender pork, creating a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this healthy and delicious meal is sure to become a new family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it only takes a fraction of the time.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest home cooks. Let's get started with our ingredient list:
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 poblano peppers, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
- 2 lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 serrano peppers, stemmed and roughly chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: A Culinary Journey
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Chili Verde your family will love:
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Sear the Pork: Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and poblano peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Blend the Tomatillos: Add the tomatillos and serrano peppers (if using) to a blender along with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
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Simmer to Perfection: Return the seared pork to the pot. Pour the tomatillo mixture over the pork. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Tips & Variations: Elevate Your Chili Verde
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of serrano peppers to your liking. For a milder chili, omit them entirely, or use milder chilis like jalapeños.
- Other Proteins: Feel free to substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even vegetables like butternut squash for a vegetarian option.
- Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Sear the pork as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chili Verde is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones!