Growing up in New Mexico, green chili pork stew was our go-to comfort food when the temperatures dropped. My grandma would start cooking it early in the morning, and the smell would fill the whole house. I remember thinking no one could make it quite like she did – turns out, I was just scared of cooking with green chilies. I worried they’d be too hot or that I’d mess up the tender pork chunks.
But here’s the thing about green chili stew – it’s actually pretty hard to get wrong. The slow cooking process does most of the work, and those green chilies mellow out nicely as they simmer. These days, it’s one of my favorite things to make when friends come over, especially on those chilly Sunday afternoons.
Ingredient Substitutions
For the pork shoulder, chicken thighs or beef chuck can be used as alternatives. These meats have similar textures and fat content, allowing for tender results in a stew. Cooking times may need slight adjustment. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu or seitan can be used, though the cooking time will be reduced significantly.
Green chili peppers can be substituted with a mix of poblano and jalapeño peppers for a similar heat level and flavor profile. Alternatively, canned green chilies can be used for convenience, though fresh peppers provide better texture and flavor. Adjust the quantity based on heat preference.
Yellow potatoes can be replaced with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor and added nutritional benefits. These substitutions will add sweetness to balance the heat of the chilies. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly as sweet potatoes and squash often cook faster than regular potatoes.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 90-100 minutes |
| Total Time | 105-120 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 100-110 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 160-180 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb yellow potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 lb green chilis
- black pepper to taste (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (I use California Olive Ranch extra virgin)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 lb pork shoulder (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- salt to taste
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add 1.5 pounds of cubed pork shoulder to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned on all sides.
This initial browning adds flavor and seals in the juices.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add 1 medium chopped onion to the pan with the pork and continue cooking until the onion is softened.
Stir in 4 cloves of chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Add Spices to Enhance Flavor
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin over the mixture.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors into the meat and onions.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables
Add 1 pound of chopped yellow potatoes and 2 medium chopped carrots to the pan.
Stir the vegetables into the pork mixture, ensuring they are coated with the spices.
Then add 1.5 pounds of chopped roasted green chili peppers, mixing them in thoroughly with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine all the ingredients well.
Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This slow cooking will allow the pork to become tender and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish on a cool day or any time you’re craving comfort food.
