Chile Verde(Chee-Lay Vair-Day)
A hearty Mexican-style green chili featuring tender pork or beef, tomatoes, green chiles, and bold spices, perfect for comforting burritos or served over rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut pork or beef into small cubes and put in a large pan.
- Brown the meat slightly over medium heat.
- Add the canned tomatoes, green chiles, salt, garlic powder or salt, and ground cumin to the pan.
- Cook over low heat until the meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
- Cut most of the fat off the meat before cooking if desired.
- Serve hot, in burritos or over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the meat in the spices and some lime juice for a few hours before cooking. If you want to reduce the cooking time, use a pressure cooker instead of simmering for two hours. You can substitute the pork or beef with chicken for a lighter option or even make it vegetarian by using jackfruit or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chile Verde hot, either in burritos, over rice, or alongside warm tortillas for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Fiesta Cheese Dip for added flavor. Consider topping with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or avocado for a fresh touch, and serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Verde(Chee-Lay Vair-Day) contains roughly 116 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 792mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meat, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if using a pressure cooker.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Using a No. 2 can of diced tomatoes is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use crushed tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with cubed jackfruit, mushrooms, or lentils. Use the same spices and cooking method for a delicious vegetarian Chile Verde that still packs plenty of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).