Chili Verde Recipe - Easy Pork & Tomatillo Stew - How to Make Green Chili

Chili Verde Recipe - Easy Pork & Tomatillo Stew - How to Make Green Chili is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs 21 min | Total: 3 hrs 1 min

Cost: $15.65 total, $2.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Pork Shoulder (boneless, cut into 1‑2 inch cubes)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for browning)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 2 tsp Salt (divided, plus to taste)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
  • 10 Tomatillos (husks removed, rinsed, quartered)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper (seeded if less heat desired, roughly chopped)
  • 1 Poblano Pepper (roasted, peeled, seeded, roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (handful, loosely packed, optional)
  • 4 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can substitute water)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1.5 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled, quartered)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup Pickled Red Onions (store‑bought or quick‑pickled)

Instructions

  1. Cube the Pork

    Pat the pork shoulder dry, then cut into 1‑ to 2‑inch cubes so they brown quickly and stay juicy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown the Pork

    Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Add all pork cubes in a single layer, let sit untouched for 4‑5 minutes, then turn and sear the other side another 4‑5 minutes until browned.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Sauté Onion

    Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Toast the Spices

    Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground coriander, and ¼ tsp cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes to awaken the aromatics.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Prep the Tomatillo Sauce

    Remove the papery husks from the tomatillos, rinse under cold water, and quarter them. Peel, seed, and roughly chop the jalapeño and poblano. Place tomatillos, garlic, jalapeño, poblano, cilantro, and 2 cups chicken broth in a blender.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Blend the Sauce

    Pulse the blender a few times, then blend continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and fine.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Combine Sauce and Simmer

    Pour the blended sauce into the pot with the pork and onions. Add the remaining 2 cups chicken broth, a pinch of salt, and the bay leaf. Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to low.

    Time: PT5M

  8. First Simmer

    Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Skim any fat that rises to the surface if desired.

    Time: PT1H

  9. Add Potatoes

    While the stew simmers, peel and quarter the Yukon Gold potatoes. Add them to the pot, season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir. If the stew looks dry, add a splash more broth.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Second Simmer

    Continue to simmer gently for 45‑60 minutes, or until the pork and potatoes are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT50M

  11. Finish and Serve

    Remove the bay leaf, ladle the stew into bowls, and garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of pickled red onions, and torn cilantro.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free if sour cream omitted

Allergens: Dairy (sour cream), Potential cross‑contamination with soy in some broths

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Chili Verde Recipe - Easy Pork & Tomatillo Stew - How to Make Green Chili

Recipe by Food Wishes

A comforting Mexican pork stew simmered in a bright tomatillo‑based sauce with potatoes, onions, and a hint of heat. Chef John’s version from Food Wishes balances smoky pork, tangy tomatillos, and fresh cilantro, finished with sour cream and pickled red onions.

MediumMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
2h 6m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.65
Total cost
$2.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the pork cubes for flavor
  • Blending the tomatillo sauce to a smooth consistency
  • Maintaining a gentle simmer for the full hour before adding potatoes
  • Cooking potatoes until fork‑tender without over‑cooking

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • When blending hot liquids, vent the blender lid slightly to allow steam to escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chili verde is a traditional Mexican stew that showcases the bright, tangy flavor of tomatillos, a staple of central Mexican cooking. Historically, it was a way to stretch meat with abundant local vegetables, creating a comforting, flavorful dish for everyday meals and celebrations alike.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, pork is the common protein, while in the south chicken or beef may be used. Some regions add roasted tomatillos, others include roasted chiles like ancho or guajillo for deeper flavor. The base can be thinned with water or thickened with masa in certain locales.

cultural
Q

How is Chili Verde traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Chili verde is typically served hot in deep bowls, accompanied by warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or refried beans. Garnishes often include fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime, though sour cream is a common American addition.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Chili Verde traditionally enjoyed in Mexican culture?

A

Chili verde is a versatile dish enjoyed year‑round, but it is especially popular during family gatherings, holidays like Día de los Muertos, and as a comforting meal after a long day of work or celebration.

cultural
Q

What makes Chili Verde special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

The bright green color and tangy flavor come from tomatillos, which give the stew a citrus‑like acidity that balances the richness of pork. This contrast of bright acidity and deep savory notes is a hallmark of many Mexican green sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Verde?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pot when browning the pork (which prevents proper caramelization), over‑boiling the stew (which can toughen the meat), and adding salt too early, which draws moisture from the pork and reduces browning.

technical
Q

Why does this Chili Verde recipe use a low simmer instead of a rapid boil?

A

A low simmer gently breaks down the collagen in pork shoulder, yielding tender, juicy meat without drying it out. A rapid boil can cause the meat fibers to contract, resulting in a tougher texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Chili Verde ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, Chili Verde improves in flavor after a few hours. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chili Verde is done?

A

The stew should have a smooth, slightly thickened green broth that has turned a muted olive hue. The pork should be fork‑tender and the potatoes should break apart easily without falling apart completely.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Chili Verde is fully cooked?

A

Test a piece of pork and a potato with a fork; both should slide in with little resistance. The broth should be bubbling gently, and the flavors should be well‑balanced—adjust salt if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that blend humor with clear culinary instruction, covering a wide range of cuisines and techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes focuses on simplifying classic Mexican dishes with minimal, pantry‑friendly ingredients while still honoring authentic flavors. Chef John often adds personal anecdotes and practical tips, making the recipes feel less intimidating than some traditional Mexican cooking channels.

channel

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