Award-Winning Chile Verde 🌶️


Award-Winning Chile Verde 🌶️🥘

Introduction

Few dishes are as comforting and soul-warming as a bowl of Chile Verde. Tender cubes of pork shoulder simmered in a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy roasted tomatillo sauce make this dish a true Mexican favorite. The magic happens when the pork absorbs the roasted chile flavors during a long, slow simmer, resulting in meat that melts in your mouth and a sauce that begs to be scooped up with warm tortillas.

This recipe takes the traditional chile verde to the next level with fire-roasted vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a creamy finishing touch that balances the heat with richness. It’s a dish worthy of a weekend family dinner—or even a cook-off trophy. 🏆


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🌟 Award-Worthy Flavor – Smoky, tangy, savory, and creamy in perfect balance.
  • 🥩 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pork – Slow-simmered for ultimate tenderness.
  • 🌿 Fresh, Vibrant Sauce – Roasted tomatillos and peppers give deep flavor.
  • 🍽️ Versatile Serving – Perfect with rice, beans, or wrapped in tortillas.

Ingredients

For the Pork

  • 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp salt (divided)
  • 2 tsp black pepper (divided)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (or more for extra heat)
  • 1 white onion, halved
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp sour cream (for finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pork

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat pork cubes dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Roast the Vegetables

  1. Place tomatillos, poblano, jalapeño, and onion halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, season with remaining 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.
  3. Roast for 30 minutes until blistered and softened.
  4. Let cool, then remove stems and seeds from the poblano and jalapeño.

3️⃣ Blend the Sauce

  1. In a blender, combine roasted vegetables, garlic, cilantro, and chicken broth.
  2. Blend until smooth, or leave slightly chunky for rustic texture.

4️⃣ Simmer to Perfection

  1. Pour the blended sauce back into the pot.
  2. Return the seared pork and any juices.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 ½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is fork-tender and sauce is rich.

5️⃣ The Final Touch

  • Turn off heat and stir in sour cream for creamy balance.
  • Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve

  • 🫓 With warm tortillas – the classic way.
  • 🍚 Over fluffy rice – to soak up the sauce.
  • 🫘 With beans – pinto or black beans make the perfect pairing.
  • 🥑 With toppings – diced avocado, fresh lime, and queso fresco for garnish.

Tips & Variations

  • 🔥 Spice it up: Add extra jalapeños or a serrano for more heat.
  • 🐓 Chicken option: Sub pork with chicken thighs for a lighter version.
  • Time saver: Use an Instant Pot (45 min pressure cook) instead of stovetop simmer.
  • 🧄 Flavor boost: Add roasted garlic cloves for extra depth.

Nutrition (Per Serving, ~6 servings)

  • Calories: ~360
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: ~780mg

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