Chile Verde with Pork
tastesbetterfromscratch.com2020-05-03
Ingredients:
  • 3 pounds pork loin or pork shoulder, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces, salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 Tablespoon dried oregano leaves
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 fresh poblano chiles, seeded and sliced in half
  • 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced in half (*see note)
  • 1.5 pounds fresh tomatillos, husks removed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
      Instructions:
    1. Season pork pieces on all sides with salt and pepper.
    2. Heat a large stock pot over high heat. Add oil. Once hot, sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides.
    3. Remove the pork from the pot. Add a little additional oil to pan, if needed.
    4. Add onion and saute until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    5. Stir in the cumin and oregano. Return pork to the pot and add the chicken broth.
    6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 2-4 hours.
      Meanwhile, make the sauce:
    1. Place rack on second to top level of oven and turn the oven to high broil.
    2. Lightly spray a jelly roll pan with cooking oil. Wash the poblano peppers, jalapeños and tomatillos.
    3. Slice the tomatillo and both types of peppers in half, and remove stems. Seed the peppers and remove the white veins inside if you do not want the chile verde to be very spicy. (See note below about spice level). Do not seed the tomatillos.
    4. Place the poblano peppers, jalapeño and tomatillos on baking sheets cut side down. Broil for about 7-10 minutes or until browned.
    5. Immediately place peppers in a plastic bag and tie the bag. Allow them to steam for
    6. 5 minutes, and then peel off their outer layer of skin. (It should come off easily)
    7. Add the peppers, tomatillos and cilantro to a blender and puree.
    8. Add mixture to the pot with the pork and cook everything together for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
    9. Serve with tortillas, and a side of Mexican rice and beans.
    Jalapeño spice level:
    Very Hot: do not remove seeds and veins from jalapeños. Medium-hot: leave the seeds and veins in one whole jalapeño. Mild: leave seeds and veins in half of a jalapeño. Extra mild: remove all seeds and veins from jalapeños.
    To Make Ahead:
    Make through step 6. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. When ready to eat, add salsa verde and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes. Can be made 3 days ahead.