chile verde

ingredients

  • 3 lb trimmed pork shoulder, cubed
  • 5 poblano peppers
  • 8 anaheim peppers
  • 2 lb tomatillos, husks removed
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cilantro, loosely packed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp aleppo pepper
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1 lb small yukon gold potatoes, cut in half

directions

  • In a large bowl, toss the cubed pork with 2tbps kosher salt until thoroughly coated and let sit for 1 hr.
  • Cut the poblanos, anaheims, and jalapenos in half and remove the seeds.
  • Place the peppers skin side up on a baking sheet, and place in a 400 degree oven until the skins are charred, about 10 minutes. Remove and place in a large bowl or other container with lid, and let steam for 5 minutes. I usually do this in two batches.
  • After the peppers have steamed, peel off the charred skins and place into a food processor, along with the garlic and cilantro.
  • After peeling and rinsing the tomatillos, cut in half and place on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven until blistered and softened, about 8 minutes. Remove from bakign tray into the food processor.
  • Once tomatillos, peppers, and cilantro had been added to the food processor, pulse on and off until roughly pureed but not smooth.
  • In a dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and brown the pork in batches (don't crowd the pan to ensure a nice browning). After browning the pork, set aside.
  • Once the pork has been browned, add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes.
  • Add the cumin, coriander, and aleppo pepper to the onions, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the pork, pureed pepper/tomatillo mixture, and stock. Bring to a simmer, then cook until the pork is almost fork-tender (about 2 1/2 hours)
  • Add the potatoes, and cook until they can be pierced easily with a fork (about 30 minutes)
  • Season with salt and black pepper, and add any additional chopped cilantro.
  • Flavor will improve if left overnight in the fridge, and can be frozen.
  • Serve with rice, tortillas, or with bread.