
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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat pork cubes dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Roast the Vegetables
- Place tomatillos, poblano, jalapeño, and onion halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with remaining 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.
- Roast for 30 minutes until blistered and softened.
- Let cool, then remove stems and seeds from the poblano and jalapeño.
3️⃣ Blend the Sauce
- In a blender, combine roasted vegetables, garlic, cilantro, and chicken broth.
- Blend until smooth, or leave slightly chunky for rustic texture.
4️⃣ Simmer to Perfection
- Pour the blended sauce back into the pot.
- Return the seared pork and any juices.
- 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