This Easy Cozy Pork Green Chili Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender pork, green chiles, and hearty veggies, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days.
You’ll love how simple it is to make this stew. Just toss everything into your pot and let it simmer. Trust me, it smells amazing as it cooks! 😋
I like to enjoy this stew with some crusty bread on the side. It makes every bite even better! Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just heat it up later for an easy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for stews because it’s well-marbled and becomes super tender. If you can’t find it, try using pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Green Chiles: Roasted green chiles add a unique flavor. If fresh chiles are hard to find, jarred or canned green chiles work well too. Just be cautious with the heat level!
Potatoes: I use regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes make a delightful alternative. They will also add a subtle sweetness to the stew!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up any dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley or even green onions can be good garnishes instead.
How Do I Ensure My Pork is Tender in the Stew?
Getting tender pork is all about slow cooking. Start by browning the meat to lock in flavors. This enhances the stew’s taste as well! Then, allow it to simmer for at least an hour. This gentle cooking method helps the connective tissues break down, making the meat fork-tender.
- Use medium-high heat to brown the meat, but switch to low heat for simmering.
- Cover the pot to keep moisture in, letting the flavors blend while preventing the stew from drying out.
Trust the process, and your pork will turn out beautifully tender every time!
Easy Cozy Pork Green Chili Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups roasted green chiles (such as Hatch or Anaheim), chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy this cozy dish in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, including time for the flavors to meld together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Pork:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork cubes in batches. Make sure to brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, making your kitchen smell fantastic!
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Return the browned pork to the pot. Then, add the chopped green chiles, diced potatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally until the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together!
5. Final Touches:
Once done, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, stir in fresh lime juice for a zesty kick and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving!
6. Enjoy Your Stew:
Serve the stew hot, ideally with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Bon appétit!
FAQ About Easy Cozy Pork Green Chili Stew
Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture when browning.
What Can I Substitute for Green Chiles?
If you can’t find roasted green chiles, you can use canned green chiles for convenience. Fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers are also great alternatives if you want more heat! Just adjust the quantity to fit your heat preference.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Simply brown the pork and sauté the onions and garlic before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it may thicken when stored.
