Green Chili Stew
Green Chili Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant taste of roasted green chili peppers. This comforting stew combines tender chunks of pork shoulder with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, making it perfect for chilly days or when you crave something warm and satisfying.
The roasted peppers add a delightful depth of flavor, while the cilantro gives it a fresh finish. Easy to prepare and customizable, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold and Flavorful – The combination of roasted green chiles, chili powder, paprika, and cumin creates a deeply flavorful broth that is rich, smoky, and slightly spicy. The layers of seasoning bring out the full, vibrant taste of the chilies and pork, making each bite savory and satisfying.
Comforting and Hearty – With tender pork, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots, this stew is hearty and filling. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy, comforting meal on a chilly day, offering both warmth and satisfaction.
Balance of Heat and Flavor – The roasted green chilies give the stew a subtle heat that’s balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and potatoes, creating a comforting yet spicy dish that’s flavorful but not overwhelming.
Tender Pork – The pork shoulder is slow-cooked until it’s incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the broth and spices. The meat practically melts in your mouth, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Customizable Heat – The heat level can be easily adjusted depending on the type of green chili peppers you use. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery punch, you can tailor the stew to your taste by selecting the right peppers.
Aromatic and Inviting – The aroma of garlic, onions, roasted chilies, and cumin as the stew simmers is irresistible, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents that make it hard to wait for the dish to be ready.
Fresh and Vibrant Garnish – Topping the stew with fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while extra chili flakes or pepper slices can kick up the heat if desired. The garnish not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a beautiful, colorful finish.
Perfect for Leftovers – Like many stews, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and meld together. It’s a great make-ahead meal and perfect for leftovers!
Key Ingredients:
Green Chili Peppers – Roasted green chilies form the heart of the stew, adding smoky depth and a subtle heat that flavors the entire dish.
Pork Shoulder – Tender, juicy pork shoulder provides the rich, meaty base for the stew, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices.
Chili Powder, Paprika, and Cumin – A trio of spices that infuse the stew with warmth, smokiness, and earthiness, enhancing the green chili flavor without overpowering it.
Onion and Garlic – These aromatic ingredients create a savory base, adding richness and depth to the stew’s flavor.
Potatoes and Carrots – These hearty vegetables add substance to the stew, absorbing the flavors of the broth while offering a comforting, satisfying texture.
Chicken Broth – The savory, rich broth binds everything together, creating a flavorful base that complements the tender pork and roasted peppers.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and color, bringing a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy stew.
Green Chili Stew
Ingredients
2 pounds green chili peppers of choice I used a variety – see the discussion above
2 tablespoons olive oil + more as needed
1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder cut into bite sized pieces (chuck roast is good, too)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped
6 cups chicken broth beef broth is good, too
1 pound yellow potatoes cut into small cubes
2 medium carrots peeled and cut into small cubes
1/4 chopped cilantro or to taste (+ more for garnish)
Instructions
Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and set them onto a baking sheet. Bake them at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until their skins blister up.
Cool them slightly, then peel off the skins and discard them. Chop the roasted peppers and set them aside.
While the peppers are roasting, toss the chopped pork shoulder with 2 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin and salt and pepper.
Heat a large pot to medium heat. Add the pork shoulder and brown the pieces on each side, about 5 minutes. Scoop the browned pork shoulder into a bowl and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.
Add the garlic and cook another minutes, until you can smell the gorgeous garlic.
Add the browned pork along with the stock, potatoes, carrots and chopped roasted peppers.
Bring to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 90 minutes. You can simmer longer to develop even more flavor.
When ready to serve, remove from heat and swirl in the cilantro.
Serve into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro. I like to toss on some fresh pepper slices and spicy chili flakes as well.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Pepper Variety: You can use a mix of green chili peppers such as Anaheim, Poblano, or Hatch chiles for varying heat levels and flavors. Adjust based on your spice preference.
Meat Options: While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken thighs or beef chuck for a different taste.
Roasting Peppers: Roasting the peppers enhances their flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip this step; the charred taste adds depth to the stew.
Simmer Time: The longer you simmer, the richer the flavors will become. You can cook it for up to 2-3 hours for an even more developed taste.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
Storage: This stew keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and also freezes nicely for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, rice, or tortillas to soak up the delicious broth. Top with additional cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
Calories: 250 | Total Fat: 10 grams | Saturated Fat: 2 grams | Cholesterol: 35 milligrams | Sodium: 500 milligrams | Carbohydrates: 20 grams | Fiber: 4 grams | Sugar: 4 grams | Protein: 18 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of chili peppers in this recipe?
Yes, you can use your preferred variety of green chili peppers.
The recipe suggests using 2 pounds of green chili peppers of your choice, allowing for flexibility and personal taste.
Can I substitute pork shoulder with another type of meat?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute pork shoulder with chuck roast or another type of meat.
The recipe mentions that chuck roast is a good alternative.
How long should I simmer the stew for?
The recipe suggests simmering the stew for at least 90 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
You can simmer for longer if desired, which can further enhance the taste.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe mentions that beef broth can be used as an alternative to chicken broth.
You can choose based on your preference or what you have available.
Can I adjust the amount of cilantro in the stew?
Yes, the amount of chopped cilantro can be adjusted according to personal preference.
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup, but you can add more or less based on your taste for cilantro.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the stew?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the stew by using more or fewer green chili peppers.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer peppers or choose a milder variety.
Conversely, if you enjoy a spicier stew, you can use more peppers or opt for hotter varieties.
Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this stew by omitting the pork shoulder and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
For a vegan version, you can also substitute the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a plant-based oil like canola or avocado oil.
What are some optional garnishes or serving suggestions?
In addition to garnishing with extra cilantro, you can add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors.
Serving the stew with warm tortillas or cornbread can also complement the dish.