Chili Verde

Living in the Central Valley has exposed my family to many cultures and some amazing food.  One of my favorite Mexican dishes is Chili Verde. I'm very picky about somethings I eat, Chili Verde is one of them.  Like so many of my recipes this one stared with a recipe from Thom's stepsister Leslie. 

A few years back Thom's stepsister Leslie put together a family cookbook.  There were two recipes for Chili Verde.  One that Leslie submitted which was from a local restaurant in Fresno and another from Granny Gould.  I used Leslie's recipe but added a few ingredients that Granny had in hers, below is the recipe I always go to. 

Ingredients:

4 lbs. boneless pork
12 oz green chilies
1/2 onion cut into squares
1/4 bunch cilantro, rough chop
1 can 13 oz tomatillos
4 cloves garlic or 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
3 fresh tomatoes cut into squares
1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 Tablespoon black pepper
1/2 Tablespoons whole oregano


Cut pork into cubes and season with salt and pepper.  In a large pan heat oil, add the pork and brown on all sides.  Remove the meat setting aside for later.  To the skillet add the garlic and onion cook until tender.  Return the meat and any juices to the pan.  Add in remaining ingredients Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat.  Cover and simmer until the meat is tender.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Before serving stir in cilantro. 

Serve with red rice and re-fried beans.

Mexican Red Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
1 Tablespoon oil
2 Garlic cloves minced or 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water and 1 chicken bouillon cube)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
salt to taste

In a large saucepan heat oil add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Add in rice and stir for an additional 2 minutes.  Add broth, tomato sauce and salt, bring to boil, stir and cover.  Reduce heat to low simmering until the liquid is absorbed 15-20 minutes.  Remove from the heat keeping the lid on until ready to serve. (Do Not Remove Lid or Stir while cooking).  Leaving the rice undisturbed will give you fluff rice.