Craving a taste of authentic Mexican comfort food? Try Chile Verde Con Cerdo – tender pork simmered in a rich, tangy green chili sauce that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect over rice, tacos, or with warm tortillas.
Image source: AI-generated
Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 8-9 hrs (or shorter with pre-diced pork) | Total Time: 9 hrs
Servings: 15
Ingredients (US Units):
- 2-3 lbs pork roast (pre-diced pork works for quicker prep—just brown with onions)
- 2 tbsp lard or bacon grease
- 1 large onion, chopped (optional, not traditional)
- 1 head garlic, minced (adds great flavor and helps prevent heartburn)
- 6 tbsp flour
- 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups diced green chilies (Big Jims, roasted, peeled, and frozen every fall)
- 2 cups diced tomatillos (or substitute with your favorite salsa verde)
- 2-4 tsp jalapeños (optional)
- 5 cups water or chicken broth (broth isn’t traditional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tbsp ground chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cumin (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Cook the Pork:
- Simmer the whole roast in a large pot until tender and easily shredded (or brown pre-diced pork with onions/garlic for a quicker version). Let cool, then cube into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Base:
- Blend half the green chilies and tomatillos until smooth. Set aside.
- In the same pot, melt lard/bacon grease over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft (do not brown).
- Stir in flour until absorbed by the fat.
- Assemble & Simmer:
- Gradually add water/broth, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Return cubed pork to the pot. Add drained tomatoes, remaining chopped tomatillos, green chilies, blended mixture, and jalapeños (if using).
- Season with chili powder, salt, cumin, and oregano, adjusting to taste. Simmer for at least 1 hour (longer for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
- Optional Additions:
- For a stew-like consistency, add cubed potatoes 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve over burritos with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, or with warm tortillas.
Vegetarian Option: Omit pork for a green chili sauce.
