Quick Chili Verde Recipe

Elevate your dinner game with this Quick Chili Verde Recipe, a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a delightful kick to your table. Packed with spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces, this recipe combines a medley of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

It’s a one-pot wonder that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Easy to prepare and bursting with color, this Chili Verde is sure to become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, Layered Flavors: The recipe combines a variety of ingredients that contribute to a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The spicy Italian sausage provides a robust, savory base, while the green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and diced green chiles add layers of tangy and spicy notes. The fresh lime juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the sausage and sauce.

Aromatic and Flavorful Vegetables: The use of aromatics like garlic, onions, and peppers (both poblano and jalapeno) enhances the overall flavor. These vegetables not only add depth but also a pleasant aroma as they cook, making the preparation experience enjoyable and mouthwatering.

Perfect Balance of Heat and Comfort: With the inclusion of jalapeno and spicy Italian sausage, this dish offers a gentle heat that is balanced by the creamy richness of the sour cream and the fresh crunch of radishes. This balance ensures that the chili is warming and comforting without being overwhelmingly spicy.

Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit individual preferences. The heat level can be modified by adjusting the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce. Additionally, the garnishes of sour cream, radishes, and cilantro can be tailored to taste, offering room for personalization.

Quick and Easy Preparation: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The use of canned sauces and ready-to-cook ingredients like sausage helps keep the cooking process efficient without sacrificing taste.

Nutritious and Satisfying: This dish is not only delicious but also quite filling. The combination of protein from the sausage and carbohydrates from the rice ensures a satisfying meal. Adding fresh vegetables and herbs like radishes and cilantro contributes to its nutritional value.

Appealing Presentation: The final dish is visually appealing, with vibrant colors from the green sauce, fresh cilantro, and radishes. The garnishes add a pop of color and texture, making the dish as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

Key Ingredients:

Spicy Italian Sausage:

Provides a robust, savory base with a hint of spice, adding depth and heartiness to the chili.

Poblano Chiles and Jalapeno:

Contribute mild to moderate heat and a rich, smoky flavor, enhancing the overall spice profile.

Green Enchilada Sauce and Salsa Verde:

Offer a tangy, zesty flavor with a smooth texture, acting as the primary sauce component that brings everything together.

Garlic and Onion:

Serve as aromatic foundations that infuse the dish with savory depth and a fragrant aroma.

Lime Juice:

Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the sausage and sauces, enhancing the overall freshness.

Sour Cream:

Provides a creamy, cooling contrast to the chili’s heat, adding richness and smooth texture when served as a garnish.

Fresh Cilantro and Radish:

Cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note, while radishes add a crisp, peppery bite, both contributing to a vibrant garnish.

Quick Chili Verde Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups long-grain rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons salted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 large poblano chiles, diced

1 large onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced small

2 pounds spicy Italian sausage

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Two 15-ounce cans green enchilada sauce

One 16-ounce jar salsa verde

One 4-ounce can diced green chiles

1 lime, juiced

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup thinly sliced radish

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

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Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions:

Cook the rice according to the package instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add the garlic, poblanos, onions and jalapenos, then stir to combine.

Add the sausage meat and season with the salt and pepper. Cook the sausage, crumbling it as you go, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the enchilada sauce, salsa verde and green chiles with their liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, to thicken and develop the flavors. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve alongside the rice and garnish with the sour cream, radish, cilantro and hot sauce.

Notes:

Sausage Variations: While spicy Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can use mild sausage or ground turkey for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

Heat Level: If you prefer less heat, you can omit the jalapeño or use fewer poblano chiles. Conversely, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for extra spice.

Rice Options: Long-grain rice works well, but you can substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more veggies like corn, black beans, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Salsa Verde: The type of salsa verde can vary in heat and flavor, so choose one that suits your taste. Homemade salsa verde is a great option if you want to customize the flavors.

Garnishes: In addition to sour cream, radishes, and cilantro, consider adding avocado or sliced green onions for extra freshness.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain rice with other varieties like jasmine rice or basmati rice.

Adjust the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.

Is there a milder option for the chili verde for those who don’t prefer spicy food?

Absolutely! You can choose mild Italian sausage, mild green enchilada sauce, and mild salsa verde.

Adjust the quantity of jalapeno and hot sauce according to your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chili verde in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

However, it’s advisable to cook the rice fresh for optimal texture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the chili verde can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Certainly! You can replace the spicy Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage or crumbled tofu.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chili verde a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or try avocado crema for a creamy, dairy-free option.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the spicy Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or add more vegetables and beans, like black beans or lentils, for protein.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can reduce the spice by omitting the jalapeños and using mild sausage.

For more heat, add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or even some diced serrano peppers.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can use other rice varieties like brown rice or jasmine rice.

Just adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions, as different types of rice may require different cooking durations.