Moms Not Really Chile Verde Recipes

AUTHENTIC RESTAURANT CHILI VERDE

Steps:

• 1. Cut aneheim chilis into 2-inch pieces; cut jalepenos into thin slices. Put into large pot; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Add cumin seed (about 1 teaspoon). Turn down to a simmer; let simmer for about 1/2 hour - to take "green taste" out of chilis.
• 2. Meanwhile, chop onion and garlic. Cut pork into bite-sized pieces - do not remove the fat; it really adds to the flavor!
• 3. Brown pork in batches in oil or lard in skillet. In last batch, add onion and garlic, to lightly brown. Do not drain off the grease - I didn't say this was particularly healthy - just good!
• 4. Remove peppers from water with slotted spoon; try to include as much cumin seed as possible. Save cooking water.
• 5. Process peppers in a blender until liquified; add a bit of cooking water if needed to thin sauce - although do keep in mind that the sauce will thin while cooking with pork.
• 6. Put browned pork back in skillet (or large pot) along with the garlic and onions. Stir in the chili sauce. Bring to a boil; then turn down to a slow simmer. Cook at a slow simmer (barely breaking bubbles) for 2 to 3 hours, or until tender.
• 7. If desired, serve with flour tortillas, Mexican rice and refried beans. Makes great chili verde burritos!

GRANDMA'S CHILE VERDE

Steps:

• Cut pork in medium size chunks. Brown in olive oil.
• When pork liquid is gone, coat with the flour and stir up with a fork (like when you are making a gravy).
• Pour the water over pork, add all ingredients (salt, cumin, and jalapenos to taste). Stir to make sure everthing is well mixed. Cook over medium heat until boiling, lower to simmer with lid on. Simmer until meat is tender, remove lid while simmering for less sauce.

TOP SECRET AWARD-WINNING CHILI VERDE

Steps:

• Fire-roast the peppers and tomatillos. You can do this on the grill, over a gas burner, or under your broiler turned on high. The goal is to char the skin of the vegetable. ROASTING THE PEPPERS AND TOMATILLOS ADDS TONS OF FLAVOR TO THEM! IT IS WORK BUT DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
• Place the charred vegetables in a large heat proof bowl or pan and cover with foil. The steam from the vegetables will help the charred skin come off easily. Let sit covered 15-20 minutes and then the charred skin will easily peel off the peppers and tomatillos.
• In a large (6 to 8 quart) stock pot, over high heat, brown the bacon reserving the bacon drippings.
• Next, trim off any excess fat from the pork and cut into 1 inch squares. Liberally season the pork with salt and pepper and toss with flour to coat evenly.
• DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! THIS IS WHAT ADDS THE MOST FLAVOR TO THE CHILI VERDE! Brown the seasoned pork in small batches, in the bacon drippings, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the pork from the pot and pour off the fat drippings, leaving two tablespoons of fat. Caramelizing the meat to a rich golden-brown is a key flavor step!
• In the same pot, over a medium heat, add the chopped onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté until transparent, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cumin, pork, and chicken stock, and cook simmering over medium-low heat for 1 hour.
• Place half of the peppers, one bunch of cilantro, and half of the tomatillos in to a blender or the bowl of a food processor and pulse for a chunky puree. Add the puree to the pot with the pork and stir to combine, cooking on medium-low for an additional 30 minutes.
• Roughly chop the remaining tomatillos, peppers, and cilantro. Add them to the pot, stir, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, for a total cooking time of two hours.
• Add the lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.