Authentic Colorado Green Chile Stew
This exquisite Colorado-style Green Chile Stew is a beloved dish hailing from the La Bola Restaurant chain in Denver, CO. Bursting with flavor, it's a hearty concoction that features tender pieces of pork shoulder, infused with the rich essence of diced green chilies and tomatoes. Ideal for serving over a steaming burrito or stuffed chile rellenos, this dish can also be enjoyed simply as a stew, topped generously with melted cheese and fresh diced onions. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is not just a meal but an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder
2.5 lbs (Cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Pork Soup Bones
1 lb (Used as is)
Canned Tomatoes
22 ounce can (Strained and roughly chopped)
Canned Tomatoes
16 ounce can (Strained and roughly chopped)
Tomato Sauce
15 ounce can (Added as is)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounce can (Added as is)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (Used as is)
Hot Water
3.5 cups (Used as is)
Diced Green Chili Peppers
3 (7 ounce) cans (Strips, Ortega brand preferred)
Diced Hot Pepper
1 ounce (Chopped)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Used as is)
Salt
1.5 tablespoons (Used as is)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the pork shoulder into 1/2-inch cubes. In a large skillet, cook the pork cubes and pork soup bones over low heat. Brown the meat until it is slightly dry but still tender. If there is an excess of fat, drain the grease until only 4-5 tablespoons remain.
2
In an 8-quart saucepan, strain the contents of the canned tomatoes using a colander. Roughly chop the strained tomatoes and add them back to the saucepan, along with the tomato sauce and garlic powder.
3
Pour in the hot water and introduce the cooked pork cubes and bones to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it boil for 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
5
After 20 minutes, add the sugar, salt, chopped hot peppers, and diced green chili strips to the saucepan. Continue boiling for another 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
6
Lower the heat to medium and let the stew simmer for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork bones from the stew. Your delicious Green Chile is now ready to be served!
8
This stew can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for three months. Enjoy it with your favorite accompaniments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Colorado Green Chile Stew?
This is a beloved Colorado-style stew featuring tender pork shoulder, diced green chilies, and tomatoes, famously served by the La Bola Restaurant chain in Denver.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of pork shoulder cut into 1/2-inch cubes and 1 lb of pork soup bones for flavor.
Which brand of green chilies is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Ortega brand diced green chili strips for the most authentic taste.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder?
The pork shoulder should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes before browning in a skillet.
Do I need to brown the meat?
Yes, you should brown the pork cubes and pork soup bones over low heat until the meat is slightly dry but still tender.
Should I drain the fat after browning the pork?
Yes, drain the grease until only 4-5 tablespoons remain in the skillet.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the stew?
The canned tomatoes should be strained through a colander and then roughly chopped.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires one 22-ounce can and one 16-ounce can of tomatoes.
What size cans of tomato sauce are used?
You will need one 15-ounce can and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic or powder?
This specific recipe uses 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
How much water is added to the pot?
Add 3.5 cups of hot water to the saucepan along with the pork and tomatoes.
How long is the initial boiling time?
Once the mixture reaches a rapid boil, it should boil for 20 minutes while stirring frequently.
When do I add the sugar and salt?
Sugar and salt are added after the first 20 minutes of boiling, along with the peppers.
How many green chilies are included?
The recipe uses three 7-ounce cans of diced green chili strips.
Is there a specific heat level for the peppers?
In addition to the green chili strips, the recipe includes 1 ounce of chopped hot peppers.
How much sugar is in the stew?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to help balance the flavors.
How long is the second boiling phase?
After adding the peppers and seasonings, the stew is boiled for another 20 minutes.
Is there a simmering step?
Yes, after the boiling phases, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
What should I do with the pork bones?
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork bones from the stew before serving.
How can I serve this Colorado Green Chile?
It can be served as a standalone stew, or used as a topping for burritos and stuffed chile rellenos.
What are the recommended toppings?
It is delicious when topped with melted cheese and fresh diced onions.
How long can I store the stew in the refrigerator?
The green chile stew can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the stew can be frozen for up to three months.
What size pot is recommended?
An 8-quart saucepan is ideal for containing all the ingredients.
How much salt does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 1.5 tablespoons of salt.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It originates from Denver, CO, and is modeled after the La Bola Restaurant chain's style.
Is the pork browned on high or low heat?
The pork cubes and bones should be cooked over low heat to ensure they stay tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this authentic green chile stew.
Do I need to stir the stew?
Yes, you should stir frequently during the boiling phases to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It is a hearty, southwestern comfort food with a rich tomato base and a strong presence of green chili peppers.