Dad'S Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

Dad's Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender pork, roasted Pueblo green chilies, and stewed tomatoes for a comforting meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it balances spice and savoriness that will warm you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. pork tenderloin, cubed
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 6 to 10 roasted and peeled Pueblo green chilies
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes
  • 4 c. water
  • 3 tsp. cornstarch
  • garlic salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Fry pork in oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic to pork.
  3. Dice green chilies and sprinkle with garlic salt. Drain meat.
  4. Add 3 cups of water.
  5. Add green chilies and diced tomatoes, along with garlic salt.
  6. Mix cornstarch with the remaining cup of water.
  7. Then add the cornstarch mixture to the chili.
  8. Salt to taste.
  9. Cook at medium heat.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try marinating the pork in spices or citrus juice before cooking. If Pueblo green chilies aren’t available, substitute with poblano or Anaheim chilies for a similar taste. Adjust the level of garlic salt according to your preference; you can also experiment with adding cumin or chili powder for additional depth, reminiscent of other Mexican recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dad's Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with sides like tortilla chips or Cream Tacos to complement the robust flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the chili thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dad'S Chili contains roughly 665 calories, with 2g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

665 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 3.2g 4% DV
Carbs 152.7g 56% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 642.1mg 28% DV
Potassium 178.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 10.1mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 41.2mg 3% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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 other meats in this chili?

Yes, you can substitute the pork tenderloin with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for ground meats, to ensure they are fully cooked.

How can I make this chili spicier?

To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You could also use hotter varieties of chilies or include a pinch of cayenne pepper, especially if you enjoy the bold flavors found in other Mexican recipes.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the pork with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use a blend of beans for protein. You can also add extra green chilies and spices to enhance the flavor, giving it a delicious twist that stands up to traditional chili.

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).

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