This pork green chile recipe is a traditional Mexican dish that brings together the rich, hearty flavor of pork with a spicy kick from green chiles. It's a perfect comfort food for those evenings when you're craving something warm, filling, and satisfying.
This dish calls for green chile peppers and jalapeño peppers. These can be found at any grocery store in the produce or international foods section. If you're unable to find them locally, they can be substituted with canned versions. Onion salt and garlic salt are used for taste enhancement, but if you prefer fresh ingredients, you could replace them with fresh chopped onion and garlic.
Ingredients for Pork Green Chile Recipe
vegetable oil: It's used for sautéing the pork and vegetables. Any neutral-tasting oil can be used.
pork stew meat: This is the main ingredient. Choose a lean cut for the best results.
all-purpose flour: It's used to thicken the sauce.
green chile peppers: These add a spicy kick and distinct flavor to the dish.
jalapeño peppers: These give an extra heat to the dish. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for spiciness.
onion: It adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
tomato sauce: It gives a tangy flavor and a nice body to the sauce.
water: It's used to make the sauce.
onion salt: It's used for flavoring. Can be replaced with fresh onions if preferred.
garlic salt: It enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Can be replaced with fresh garlic if you prefer.
salt and black pepper: These are basic seasonings to enhance the taste.
One reader, Gwyneth Menard says:
This pork green chile recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the pork is so tender. The combination of green chile and jalapeño peppers gives it a perfect kick. It's become a family favorite in no time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a hearty and flavorful meal!
Key Techniques for Preparing Pork Green Chile Recipe
How to brown the pork: Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in cubed pork, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
How to thicken the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the pork. With a wooden spoon, stir pork to coat, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits.
How to simmer the stew: Return the skillet to medium heat. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
How To Make Pork Green Chile
Warm up with the spice coming from this fresh green chile that has a lowkey minty and earthy taste. Enjoy with tender pork and savory tomato sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 1½lbspork stew meat,cubed
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- 4½ozgreen chile peppers,(1 can) diced, drained
- 3½ozjalapeno peppers,(½ can) chopped
- ½medium onion,chopped
- 5tbsptomato sauce
- 3½cupswater
- onion salt,to taste
- garlic salt,to taste
- salt and black pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Stir in cubed pork, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
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Remove skillet from heat, and allow to cool briefly.
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Sprinkle flour over pork. With a wooden spoon, stir pork to coat, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Add chile peppers, jalapenos, and onions.
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Stir in tomato sauce and water. Season to taste with onion salt, garlic salt, and salt and pepper.
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Return skillet to medium heat. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove cover, and cook 10 minutes more.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220.58kcal
- Fat: 10.38g
- Saturated Fat: 2.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 7.22g
- Fiber: 1.44g
- Sugar: 2.66g
- Protein: 25.71g
- Cholesterol: 71.44mg
- Sodium: 743.23mg
- Calcium: 32.73mg
- Potassium: 599.34mg
- Iron: 2.99mg
- Vitamin A: 24.47µg
- Vitamin C: 51.74mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Pork Green Chile Recipe
When browning the pork, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows the meat to sear properly, developing a rich, deep flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the dish. If the skillet is too crowded, the pork may steam instead of browning, which can result in a less flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pork Green Chile
Prep ahead: Cut and marinate the pork the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut chile peppers and onions to minimize prep time.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a slow cooker or pressure cooker for a hands-off approach to cooking the pork green chile.
Substitute Ingredients For Pork Green Chile Recipe
pork stew meat - Substitute with beef stew meat: Beef stew meat can be used as a substitute for pork stew meat, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the dish.
green chile peppers - Substitute with Anaheim peppers: Anaheim peppers can be used as a substitute for green chile peppers, offering a mild heat and a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
jalapeño peppers - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapeño peppers, providing a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, adding a rich and chunky texture to the dish.
onion salt - Substitute with finely chopped onions and salt: Finely chopped onions and salt can be used as a substitute for onion salt, providing a fresh and savory flavor to the dish.
garlic salt - Substitute with minced garlic and salt: Minced garlic and salt can be used as a substitute for garlic salt, offering a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Pork Green Chile
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, ensure that the pork green chile is the star of the plate. Use a large, white, or neutral-colored plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to pop. Arrange the pork and green chile mixture in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a drizzle of sour cream. This not only adds a burst of freshness but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the dish, such as a side of crispy tortilla strips or a small serving of fluffy rice. This adds complexity and depth to the overall dining experience.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the dish is well-balanced by incorporating a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving. This adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the pork and green chile.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when presenting a dish to culinary professionals with high standards.
Consider the vessel: If the dish allows, consider serving the pork green chile in a unique vessel, such as a small cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic bowl. The vessel should complement the dish without overshadowing it.
Artful drizzling: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artful drizzle of chile oil around the edge of the plate. This not only adds a touch of heat but also adds an artistic element to the presentation.
Aromatic element: Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped cilantro over the dish. The aroma will tantalize the senses and add a final layer of complexity to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pork Green Chile
- Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty, durable skillet that provides even heat distribution and is perfect for browning and searing meats.
- Wooden spoon: A versatile tool for stirring, mixing, and scraping ingredients in a skillet without damaging the surface.
- Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the skillet.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting and cubing the pork stew meat and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring and adding ingredients to the recipe.
- Lid or cover for the skillet: Helps to trap heat and moisture while simmering the pork green chile.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Pork Green Chile
- Allow the pork green chile to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled pork green chile to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the pork green chile:
- Divide the cooled pork green chile into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen pork green chile can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen pork green chile:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed pork green chile to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
- Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- If the reheated pork green chile appears too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Pork Green Chile
Reheat in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and prevent the pork from drying out or becoming tough.
Use a microwave for a quick and easy option. Place the leftover pork green chile in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pork to become tough.
If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the pork green chile on the low setting for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal if you want to keep the dish warm for an extended period, such as for a party or potluck.
For a crispy texture, reheat the leftover pork green chile in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
If the leftover pork green chile has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or beer to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency while reheating.
Interesting Fact About Pork Green Chile
Pork green chile is a traditional dish in New Mexico, where it is often served with tortillas or over rice.
Is Making Pork Green Chile at Home Cost-Effective?
This pork green chile recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pork stew meat, green chile peppers, and jalapeño peppers, are affordable and readily available. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. In terms of taste and satisfaction, this dish rates a solid 8 out of 10. It offers a flavorful and hearty meal that is both economical and delicious.
Is Pork Green Chile Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pork green chile recipe, while flavorful, has some aspects that could be improved from a health perspective:
- The recipe relies on vegetable oil for cooking, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids and may contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.
- Pork stew meat can be high in saturated fat, depending on the cut used.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of salt, including onion salt and garlic salt, which can contribute to high sodium intake.
On the positive side, the recipe incorporates green chile peppers and jalapeños, which are rich in vitamin C and other beneficial compounds. The onions also provide some nutrients and flavor.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier cooking fat, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which are higher in monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Choose a leaner cut of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish.
- Reduce the amount of added salt by using more herbs and spices for flavor, such as cumin, oregano, and fresh garlic.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding diced bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Serve the pork green chile with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add more complex carbohydrates and fiber to the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Pork Green Chile Recipe
This pork green chile recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of green chile and jalapeño peppers adds a spicy kick, while the pork stew meat brings a rich and hearty element to the dish. The combination of tomato sauce and seasonings creates a well-balanced and savory sauce that complements the pork beautifully. The cooking method ensures that the pork is tender and flavorful. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Pork Green Chile Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality pork stew meat and fresh green chile peppers and jalapeño peppers, ensuring a delicious and authentic flavor. The combination of onion salt, garlic salt, and black pepper enhances the taste, while the use of tomato sauce adds depth and richness. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a perfectly cooked dish, and the use of cast-iron skillet ensures even cooking. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to create a mouthwatering pork green chile that will impress your taste buds.
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