Green Chile Chili
A hearty, flavorful green chile chili with tender pork, roasted green chiles, and smoky spices—perfect for comforting gatherings or spicy food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a large deep skillet.
- Brown the floured pork shoulder cubes thoroughly.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is soft.
- Add chopped tomatoes, diced green chiles, oregano, salt, and water to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the cover and simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to reach desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in spices overnight before cooking. If you're looking for a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the pork with chicken for a lighter version or use beef for a different flavor profile. This dish is perfect for using up extra green chiles or tomatoes from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a twist, serve with a side of Calabasita (Mexican Zucchini Stew) to complement the chili's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Green Chile Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. If the chili thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chile Chili contains roughly 312 calories, with 8g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 freeze the Green Chile Chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of pork shoulder?
You can replace pork shoulder with chicken thighs, which will also provide a tender texture, or use ground beef for a different flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using beans or lentils as the base protein, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, you can choose mild or hot diced green chiles based on your preference. Additionally, adding more or fewer jalapeños or hot sauce can help you customize the heat level. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's hard to take it away once added!
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).