Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender pork, tomatillos, and green chilies. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde offers a delicious blend of savory pork, tangy tomatillos, and spicy green chilies. The slow-cooking method ensures the pork becomes tender and absorbs all the rich flavors. This dish is ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, requiring minimal prep and cooking time.
Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or as a standalone dish. This recipe caters to those who crave a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy a warm bowl of this chili verde for a delightful dining experience.
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Introduction To Pork Chili Verde
Pork Chili Verde is a Mexican dish. It is famous for its green sauce. The sauce uses tomatillos, green chilies, and spices. People in Mexico have cooked it for many years. It is a favorite in many homes. The dish is often served with rice or tortillas. Pork Chili Verde is both spicy and savory.
A slow cooker makes cooking easy. It cooks food slowly over many hours. This makes the pork very tender. The flavors blend well together. You can set it and forget it. It saves time in the kitchen. A slow cooker is perfect for busy days. It also keeps the kitchen cool.
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Ingredients Needed
You will need pork shoulder. Get 2 pounds, cut into chunks. Use tomatillos. About 10, husked and chopped. Add garlic. Use 4 cloves, minced. Onions are important. One large, chopped. Include cilantro. A handful, chopped. Green chilies add flavor. Two cans, diced. Don’t forget chicken broth. Two cups. Finally, add spices. Use cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
You can add jalapeños. One or two, chopped. Pinto beans are good. One can, rinsed. Lime juice adds zest. Just one lime. Avocado for garnish. Sliced. Sour cream adds creaminess. Use a dollop. Cheese can be added. Shredded, any kind.
Preparing The Pork
Choose a pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor. These cuts have the right amount of fat and marbling. This ensures the pork stays juicy and tender. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin. They can dry out during cooking.
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork. Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Season the pork with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor during the slow cooking process. Let the seasoned pork sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Making The Verde Sauce
Tomatillos are the heart of the verde sauce. Peel and wash the tomatillos well. Roast them until they are charred. This step adds a smoky flavor. Blend the roasted tomatillos into a smooth paste. The tomatillo paste should be bright green. Add fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. The base is now ready for the spices.
Spices make the sauce flavorful and rich. Use cumin for a warm, earthy taste. Add garlic for a pungent kick. Onion powder adds sweetness to the sauce. Green chilies give it a spicy edge. Salt and pepper are essential for balance. Mix these spices into the tomatillo base. The sauce is now ready to cook with the pork.
Slow Cooker Techniques
Start with the thickest ingredients at the bottom. This prevents burning. Place meat on top of the thick base. This allows it to cook evenly. Vegetables should go next. They will soften and mix well with the meat juices. Lastly, spices and seasonings go on top. This ensures even flavor distribution.
Use the low setting for a longer cooking time. This makes the pork tender. For quicker cooking, use the high setting. This helps when you are short on time. Avoid lifting the lid too often. This keeps the heat inside. Always check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach 165°F to be safe.
Cooking Process
Start by cutting the pork into small cubes. Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and brown the pork. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, garlic, and green chilies. Pour in the chicken broth and tomatillo sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine. Set the slow cooker to low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Browning the pork first adds extra flavor. Always stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients. Cook on low heat for tender pork. Add fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of flavor. Serve with warm tortillas or rice. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde!
Serving Suggestions
Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. Squeeze lime juice for a zesty kick. Sour cream makes it creamy. Add avocado slices for richness. Sprinkle shredded cheese for extra taste. Chopped onions give a nice crunch. Jalapeño slices add a spicy touch. Radishes provide a fresh bite. Pico de gallo brings a fresh taste. Use tortilla strips for a crunchy topping.
Serve with warm tortillas. Rice complements the chili verde well. Refried beans are a classic side. A simple salad adds freshness. Cornbread is a comforting option. Grilled vegetables make a healthy side. Nachos go great with chili. Quesadillas are a tasty addition. Guacamole pairs perfectly. Mexican street corn is a flavorful choice.
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Storing And Reheating
Store the Pork Chili Verde in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer. Make sure to label the container with the date. Use freezer-safe bags for smaller portions. Remove air from the bags before sealing. This helps keep the chili fresh.
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short intervals and stir in between. Add a little water or broth if it seems dry. Make sure the chili reaches a safe temperature before eating. The chili should be steaming hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Are Needed For Pork Chili Verde?
You need pork shoulder, tomatillos, green chilies, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano.
How Long To Cook Pork Chili Verde?
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Can I Freeze Pork Chili Verde?
Yes, let it cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Pork Chili Verde?
Serve with rice, tortillas, or over a bed of greens.
Is Pork Chili Verde Spicy?
It has a mild heat, but you can adjust by adding more or fewer green chilies.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde is a delicious and easy meal for any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender pork make it a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for a hassle-free, savory dish. Your family and friends will love it. Enjoy the comfort of homemade chili verde anytime.
