Spicy Chipotle Pork Stew with Tomatillos
This Spicy Chipotle Pork Stew is a delightful, flavor-packed dish perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. Infused with the smoky heat of chipotle chiles and the bright acidity of tomatillos, this stew delivers a satisfying depth of flavor that warms the soul. The tender pork is complemented by the sweetness of onions and the earthiness of spices, making it a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy guacamole, and cool sour cream. Whether served on its own or stuffed into burritos, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
Country-style boneless pork ribs
1 1/2 (lbs, cubed)
Onion
1 (small, peeled and chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (diced or 2 anaheim chilies, roasted, peeled, and diced)
Tomatillos
1 (7 ounce) can (drained and roughly chopped or 7 fresh tomatillos, chopped)
Chipotle chile in adobo
1 (tablespoon, minced)
Chicken broth
1 (cup)
Chili powder
1/2 (tablespoon)
Ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
Oregano leaves
1 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the cubed pork ribs in batches if necessary, searing until browned on all sides. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
3
Stir in the chopped tomatillos, diced green chilies, minced chipotle in adobo, and chicken broth. Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Stir occasionally and check the liquid levels; add more broth if necessary.
5
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice, and garnish with avocado and sour cream for a delicious finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chipotle Pork Stew with Tomatillos?
It is a flavor-packed, smoky, and slightly acidic stew made with pork ribs, chipotle chiles, and tomatillos, perfect for family dinners.
What type of pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of country-style boneless pork ribs, cut into cubes.
Can I use fresh tomatillos?
Yes, you can use 7 fresh chopped tomatillos as an alternative to one 7-ounce can of drained and chopped tomatillos.
What are the primary flavor components?
The dish is characterized by the smoky heat of chipotle chiles in adobo and the bright acidity of tomatillos.
Is this pork stew spicy?
Yes, it features heat from both chipotle chiles in adobo and a can of diced green chilies.
How long does it take to brown the pork?
Searing the cubed pork ribs on all sides takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
What vegetables are sautéed before adding the liquids?
A small chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves are sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened.
What is the simmering time for this stew?
The stew should simmer gently on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the pork is tender.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chicken broth to provide the base for the stew.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned green chilies?
Yes, you can substitute the canned chilies with 2 Anaheim chilies that have been roasted, peeled, and diced.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is ready when it is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How should I serve this stew?
It is best served hot over cooked rice and garnished with avocado and sour cream.
Can this recipe be used for burritos?
Yes, the tender pork and flavorful sauce make it an excellent filling for stuffed burritos.
What if the liquid levels get too low while simmering?
You should check the pot occasionally and add more chicken broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
What type of oil is used for searing?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used to sear the pork.
How much chipotle should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced chipotle chile in adobo.
Should the pot be covered while cooking?
Yes, the pot should be covered once the mixture has reached a boil and the heat is reduced to low.
What tags describe this dish?
Common tags include pork stew, chipotle, tomatillos, comfort food, spicy stew, and Tex-Mex.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two minced garlic cloves are required for this recipe.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe requires 12 total ingredients including seasonings and oil.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, peeled and chopped, is sufficient for the base.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder.
What role does cumin play in the dish?
Ground cumin adds an earthiness that complements the smoky chipotle and pork.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and a hearty dinner option.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasonings after the simmering process is complete.
What is the heat setting for browning the meat?
The pork should be seared over medium-high heat until shimmering.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a thick stew consistency made from broken-down tomatillos, chilies, and broth.
Can I use bone-in ribs?
The recipe specifically recommends country-style boneless pork ribs for ease of cubing and eating.
What type of oregano should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of oregano leaves.