This hearty and flavorful Mile High Green Chili is packed with tender pork, green chilies, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s a delightful dish that will warm you up any time of the year!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the green chilies, diced tomatoes, beans, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for 45 minutes to an hour, until the pork is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrients
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Sugar: 5g
The Flavor Profile
What sets Mile High Green Chili apart from other chili recipes is its unique balance of flavor. The star of the dish is the green chili, which provides a mild to medium heat that is not overwhelming. The green chilies, combined with other ingredients like cumin and chili powder, create a complex and flavorful broth that draws the tender pork into its deliciousness. Pork shoulder is often used in this dish for its ability to become incredibly tender when simmered, making it a great choice for a slow-cooked chili. This hearty dish is full of earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy notes, offering a warm and inviting meal that’s perfect for colder months.
The beans in the recipe help to balance out the spiciness while adding a creamy texture to the dish. Whether you prefer a more pronounced chili flavor or a milder, smoother taste, Mile High Green Chili can be easily adapted to suit your preferences by adjusting the amount of chili powder or green chilies used.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Mile High Green Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It’s a wonderful option for a casual family dinner, but it’s also a great recipe to bring to potlucks or serve at a small dinner party. The recipe is easy to make in large quantities, allowing you to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for several days. Additionally, its simplicity makes it a great weeknight meal when you need something filling and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the most appealing aspects of this chili is how adaptable it is. You can serve it with different toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, to enhance the flavors and personalize the dish. You can even add a side of cornbread or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Health Benefits
Aside from being incredibly flavorful, Mile High Green Chili can also be a nutritious addition to your diet. Pork is a good source of protein and contains several essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The beans provide fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote heart health. Additionally, the green chilies are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your meal to support immune function and overall health.
If you’re looking for a way to make the dish even healthier, consider using leaner cuts of pork or substituting some of the ingredients. For example, you can replace the pork with chicken for a lighter version or choose lower-sodium broth to reduce the overall sodium content. Adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, can also increase the fiber content and make the dish even more nutrient-dense.
How to Customize the Recipe
One of the great things about this Mile High Green Chili recipe is its versatility. If you like a spicier chili, you can easily increase the amount of chili powder or green chilies used. You could also add other hot peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, to give the chili an extra kick. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or opt for a more mild green chili variety.
For those who prefer a thicker chili, you can add more beans or even puree a portion of the chili to give it a smoother, more substantial texture. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner, brothier chili, you can simply add more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Additionally, for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring the broth used is gluten-free. You can also substitute the pork with other proteins, such as ground turkey or beef, to suit your dietary preferences or needs. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish by swapping the meat for more beans or vegetables, maintaining the comforting flavors of the dish while making it plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Mile High Green Chili can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal, or you can pair it with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete meal. A traditional favorite is cornbread, which complements the flavors of the chili and adds a delightful sweetness to balance the heat. Fresh tortillas or tortilla chips are also a great option, perfect for dipping into the savory broth and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
If you’re looking to keep the meal light, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili. Additionally, some people love to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of their bowl of chili, both of which add creaminess and help to tone down the heat.
For a more hearty meal, consider serving the chili over rice or mashed potatoes. The rice or potatoes will absorb the flavorful broth, creating a filling and comforting meal that’s perfect for cold weather.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Mile High Green Chili keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. In fact, the chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. To store the chili, simply allow it to cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the chili. To freeze, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can either thaw it in the fridge overnight or heat it directly from frozen on the stove over low heat, adding a little more broth if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Mile High Green Chili is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of savory pork, green chilies, and spices, it offers a satisfying and comforting meal that can easily be customized to suit your preferences.