Grandma’s Chili Verde and Spanish Rice

Chili Verde:

Ingredients:

6 green chilis

4 jalapeños

1 white onion

Whole clove of garlic

8-10 tomatillos

Instructions:

Broil high 10-20 minutes

Blend with cilantro and lime

Brown two pork tenderloins

Add green chili sauce and chicken broth

Salt and seasoning to taste

Rice:

Ingredients:

3 cups long grain rice

1/4 cup oil less or more can be used this is my preference

2 garlic cloves

Chopped onion (optional)

Knorr tomate & knorr chicken to taste

1/4 tsp granulated garlic

6 cups very hot water

6 sprigs Cilantro

Instructions:

Add oil to a pan with the garlic cloves add your rice and brown until golden.

Add water the knorr to your liking and granulated garlic.

Stir well bring to a raging boil add cilantro turn to low cover and cook 25 minutes do not stir or uncover… and done!

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Selecting Ingredients:

Choose ripe tomatillos for the Chili Verde with firm, bright green husks.
Opt for pork tenderloins that are well-marbled and trimmed of excess fat for a leaner dish.
Use high-quality long-grain rice for the best texture and flavor in the rice dish.

Handling Chilis:

When handling hot peppers like jalapeños, wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation.
For milder chili verde, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before broiling.

Adjusting Spice Levels:

Control the spiciness of the chili verde by adjusting the quantity of jalapeños and green chilis used.
Taste the green chili sauce as you blend it, and add more lime juice or cilantro if needed to balance the flavors.

Flavor Enhancements:

Enhance the flavor of the rice by sautéing the garlic in oil until fragrant before adding the rice.
Consider adding a bay leaf or a pinch of cumin to the green chili sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Chili Verde with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro for a traditional touch.
Pair the Spanish rice with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating:

Store any leftover chili verde and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Customization:

Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences by adding additional vegetables or adjusting the seasoning levels.
Experiment with different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a unique twist on the rice dish.

Preparation Efficiency:

To save time, consider preparing the green chili sauce and rice simultaneously, utilizing multiple burners if available.
Use a food processor or blender to quickly puree the broiled vegetables for the chili verde sauce.

Garnishing Ideas:

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (Healthy Version)

New Mexico Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Coconut Trifle

Garnish the chili verde with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Sprinkle the rice with a squeeze of lime juice and additional chopped cilantro before serving for a vibrant finishing touch.

Enjoyment and Presentation:

Serve the Chili Verde and Spanish rice in colorful bowls or on decorative plates to elevate the presentation and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Invite friends or family to join you for a cozy dinner and share the delicious flavors of this comforting and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

Chili Verde (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Spanish Rice (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Chili Verde?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the number of jalapeños or green chilis.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes, which are the spiciest parts of the peppers.

What is the best way to brown the pork tenderloins for the Chili Verde?

You can brown the pork tenderloins in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat.

This helps develop flavor by creating a nice sear on the meat.

Brown them on all sides until they are nicely caramelized.

Are the Knorr Tomate and Knorr Chicken seasonings necessary for the Spanish Rice, or can I substitute with something else?

While these seasonings add a distinct flavor, you can certainly substitute them with other seasonings if needed.

You might consider using tomato paste or tomato sauce for the tomato flavor and regular chicken bouillon or chicken broth in place of Knorr Chicken seasoning.

How do I know if the rice is cooked perfectly in the Spanish Rice?

When cooking rice, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully.

In this recipe, it’s cooked covered on low for 25 minutes without stirring or uncovering.

This allows the rice to steam and absorb the liquid.

It should be tender and fully cooked at the end of this process.

Can I make this recipe in advance or store leftovers?

Yes, you can make the Chili Verde and Spanish Rice in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheat them as needed.

However, keep in mind that rice can sometimes become slightly drier when reheated, so adding a bit of extra liquid when reheating might help maintain the right consistency.

What type of green chilis should I use for the Chili Verde, and can I adjust the spiciness?

You can use a variety of green chilis based on your heat preference.

Anaheim chilis are often a milder choice, while poblano or serrano chilis add more heat.

Adjust the types and quantities to achieve the desired spiciness.

How do I properly brown pork tenderloins for the Chili Verde?

To brown pork tenderloins effectively, heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.

Sear the pork on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust.

This step helps enhance the flavor of the meat in the Chili Verde.

Can I substitute fresh tomatillos with canned ones in the Chili Verde?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatillos with canned ones if fresh ones are not available.

Canned tomatillos can be a convenient alternative.

However, be sure to drain and rinse them before use.

What can I use as a substitute for Knorr Tomate and Knorr Chicken seasonings in the Spanish Rice?

If you don’t have Knorr seasonings, you can use regular tomato paste or sauce for the tomato flavor and regular chicken bouillon or chicken broth for the chicken seasoning.

Adjust the quantities to your taste.

How do I avoid overcooking or burning the rice in the Spanish Rice?

To prevent overcooking or burning the rice, follow the recipe instructions closely.

After bringing the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes without stirring or uncovering.

This method allows the rice to steam and cook evenly.