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Grandma's Chili Verde and Spanish Rice

A comforting and nostalgic dish featuring tender pork shoulder in a tangy chili verde, served with flavorful Spanish rice.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder Tender when slow-cooked; substitute with chicken thighs if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Essential for sautéing; feel free to use another vegetable oil if you’re out of olive oil.
  • 1 large onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be a substitute.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Provides a robust flavor; garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
  • 4 medium tomatillos, husked and quartered Their tangy flavor is essential; green tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 fresh green chilies (such as poblano or jalapeño), seeded and chopped Adds heat; adjust based on spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Offers warmth and earthiness; coriander seeds may serve as a fragrant substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Helps elevate flavors; Italian seasoning can be used in place of oregano.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For flavor enhancement; kosher salt is a suitable alternative.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper A staple seasoning; white pepper can work if you want a milder taste.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Adds moisture and flavor; homemade is best, but vegetable broth works just as well.
  • to taste Fresh cilantro for garnish Brightens the dish; parsley can be a substitute if cilantro isn’t available.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  2. Stir in the diced pork shoulder, searing until browned on all sides.
  3. Add tomatillos, chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, reduce heat, and let it simmer for at least 2 to 3 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
Rice Preparation
  1. For the Spanish rice, follow your favorite recipe or use the one listed on our site to pair perfectly with your Chili Verde.

Notes

Letting your meat marinate overnight will enhance its flavor. Cooking on high heat can make the meat tough; always allow it to simmer. Not adjusting seasoning can lead to bland flavors—always taste and modify as needed.