Hatch Chile Verde Recipe ️
Hatch Chile Verde Recipe 😍🌶️🟢 is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Fresh Chile on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 17 min
Cost: $16.40 total, $4.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Pork Shoulder (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 lb Tomatillos (peeled and rinsed)
- 4 pieces Hatch Green Chilies (stem removed, seeded if less heat desired)
- 1 medium White Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp Dried Mexican Oregano (crushed between fingers)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for searing pork)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and rinse the tomatillos, and remove stems from the chilies (seed if you prefer less heat).
Time: PT10M
Char the Tomatillos and Chilies
Place tomatillos and chilies on a baking sheet and broil on high for 5‑7 minutes, turning once, until the skins are blistered and lightly charred.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Broil
Blend the Roasted Vegetables
Transfer the charred tomatillos, chilies, raw onion, and garlic to a blender, add ½ cup water, and blend until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Pork
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add oil, and sear the pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 5‑6 minutes total.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Combine Sauce and Broth
Pour the blended sauce into the pot with the browned pork, add chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Low
Finish and Serve
Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Shoulder: Chicken thigh, Beef chuck
- Instead of Tomatillos: Green tomatoes
- Instead of Hatch Green Chilies: Anaheim peppers, Jalapeños
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Dried Mexican Oregano: Regular oregano
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lime zest + water
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch Oven
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Lime Squeezer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Char the tomatillos and chilies until blistered for smoky flavor
- Blend the roasted vegetables to a smooth sauce
- Simmer the chili uncovered to concentrate flavors and thicken the broth
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a smoked chipotle pepper for extra depth if you like smoky heat
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the pork pieces against the side of the pot
- Adjust the heat level by using more or fewer chilies or by removing seeds.
Troubleshooting
The chili is too thin
Continue simmering uncovered until it reduces to desired thickness or mash a few pork pieces with a spoon.
The chili is too spicy
Stir in additional lime juice, a splash of cream, or a pinch of sugar to balance heat.
Pork is tough
Simmer longer on low heat until tender; alternatively, use a pressure cooker for faster tenderizing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili can be made a day ahead; store refrigerated and reheat gently
- Flavor deepens after resting overnight, making it even more delicious
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?
Chili Verde, meaning “green chili,” originates from central Mexico where tomatillos and green chilies are abundant. Traditionally it was a rustic, farm‑style stew made with pork or chicken, showcasing the region’s fresh produce and smoky flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Verde in Mexico?
In the state of Puebla, Chili Verde often includes pumpkin seeds for added richness, while in Jalisco it may feature pork shoulder and a higher proportion of tomatillos. Some coastal versions add cilantro and lime for brightness.
How is authentic Chili Verde traditionally served in Mexico?
Authentic Chili Verde is typically served hot with warm corn tortillas or Mexican rice, accompanied by fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco if desired.
During which celebrations or occasions is Chili Verde traditionally enjoyed in Mexican culture?
Chili Verde is a common comfort dish for family gatherings, especially during cooler evenings, and is often prepared for holidays like Día de los Muertos and Christmas Eve feasts.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Chili Verde?
Chili Verde pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, and a side of pickled carrots (escabeche). A crisp margarita also complements its bright flavors.
What makes Chili Verde special or unique in Mexican cuisine?
Its signature tangy green sauce, made from charred tomatillos and chilies, provides a bright, slightly acidic flavor that sets it apart from red‑based stews, highlighting the freshness of Mexican produce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Verde?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pork, which can become dry, and not charring the tomatillos and chilies enough, resulting in a flat flavor. Also, blending hot sauce without cooling can cause steam burns.
Why does this Fresh Chili recipe use a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker for Chili Verde?
A Dutch oven allows you to brown the pork and char the vegetables on the stovetop, developing deeper flavor before simmering, which a slow cooker cannot achieve as effectively.
Can I make Chili Verde ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, Chili Verde improves after resting. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Fresh Chili specialize in?
The YouTube channel Fresh Chili focuses on fresh, ingredient‑driven Mexican-inspired recipes that are quick, flavorful, and accessible to home cooks, often highlighting seasonal produce and simple techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Fresh Chili's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Fresh Chili emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and bold, fresh flavors while avoiding overly complex traditional methods, making Mexican dishes approachable for busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 31, 2026








