Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine! This Green Chile Stew is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines tender, succulent pork with the vibrant heat of green chiles. Imagine a dish so rich and comforting that it will warm your soul and tantalize your senses with every single spoonful. Whether you're a spice lover or just craving an authentic Mexican experience, this stew promises to be your new favorite comfort food that's both healthy and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean pork, diced
- 3 cups green chile, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the lean pork into uniform 1-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and roughly chopping the green chiles.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Lightly season the diced pork with salt and pepper.
- Add the pork to the hot pot and brown the meat in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and add cumin, oregano, chopped green chiles, and low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer slowly for
- 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The stew should have a thick, rich consistency with tender meat.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of pork: Use lean pork shoulder or pork butt for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Brown meat in batches: Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the pork. This ensures a perfect golden crust and develops deep, rich flavors.
- Fresh chiles make a difference: If possible, use fresh Hatch or Anaheim green chiles for the most authentic taste.
- Low and slow is the key: The long, slow simmering process is crucial for developing complex flavors and tenderizing the meat.
- Let it rest: Always allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully integrate.
- Optional garnishes: Enhance the dish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Make ahead tip: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for deeper flavor development.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
