This Easy Colorado Green Pork Chili is a warm, spicy treat packed with tender pork and green chiles. The rich flavors will make your taste buds dance with joy!
It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a quick family meal. I love how it simmers away while I relax. Just serve it with cornbread, and you’re all set for a delicious evening!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is great for slow cooking due to its fat content, which keeps the meat tender. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you can use pork loin, but it may not be as juicy.
Green Chilies: Roasted Hatch or Anaheim chiles provide a wonderful flavor. If they’re not available, canned green chiles work as a handy substitute. You can also mix in some jalapeños for more heat.
Tomatillo Salsa: This adds a tangy kick. If you prefer making it from scratch, roast tomatillos, onions, and jalapeños, then blend them. Alternatively, any green salsa can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: For a richer taste, use homemade chicken broth. Vegetable broth is a good option if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, although it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How Do I Brown the Pork Properly?
Browning the pork is crucial for flavor. It adds depth to your chili that really makes a difference. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pot is hot before adding the oil. This helps achieve a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the pork in batches. This ensures that it sears rather than steams.
- Let the pork sit for a minute before flipping it. This gives it time to brown well on one side.
These steps will set the foundation for a delicious chili. Remember to keep an eye on the pork so it doesn’t burn, but allow it to cook until nicely browned!
Easy Colorado Green Pork Chili
Ingredients:
- For the Chili:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups roasted green chilies (such as Hatch or Anaheim), chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomatillo salsa or green enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Time Estimate:
This delicious green pork chili takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 2 hours of simmering time. In total, you’ll need around 2 hours and 15 minutes before you can dive into a warm bowl of chili!
Instructions:
1. Browning the Pork:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the pork pieces. Make sure to season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook the pork for about 5-7 minutes, turning until they are browned on all sides. This step is key to developing rich flavor!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
After browning the pork, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it’s fragrant. This will give your chili a great base flavor!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Next, return the browned pork to the pot. Stir in the chopped roasted green chilies, chicken broth, and tomatillo salsa (or green enchilada sauce). Give everything a good stir to combine all the delightful ingredients.
4. Seasoning the Chili:
Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder (if you want an extra kick!). Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
5. Simmering the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. At this point, you can relax while the flavors meld together and the pork becomes tender!
6. Thickening (if necessary):
If the chili is a bit thin after simmering, simply uncover the pot and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. This will help thicken it up. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s ready when it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serving Time:
Once it’s ready, serve your delicious green pork chili hot! Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze some lime juice over the top. It pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or cornbread. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Colorado Green Pork Chili
Can I Use Different Meats for This Chili?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use beef chuck or even shredded chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you like your chili with an extra kick, consider adding more chili powder or mixing in some diced jalapeños. Fresh or pickled jalapeños can also add a nice touch both in flavor and heat!
Can I Prepare This Chili in Advance?
Yes! The flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Leftover chili can be served as is, but you can also turn it into a fun meal by using it as a filling for burritos, topping nachos, or stirring it into scrambled eggs for breakfast. Don’t forget to garnish with cilantro and lime for added freshness!