A steaming bowl of Green Chili Pork Soup can be a comforting culinary delight, especially for those who enjoy an exciting blend of flavors. Originating from Mexican cuisine, this heartwarming dish beautifully balances the earthiness of green chilies, the succulence of pork, and the richness of a variety of spices. Its velvety broth, coupled with a spicy kick, proves to be an inviting choice for both cold winter nights and relaxed summer dinners.
Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, this soup is a worthy addition to your recipe book, guaranteed to delight your taste buds and bring warmth to your dinner table.
Why This Recipe Works
The Green Chili Pork Soup shines due to its inherent simplicity and striking depth of flavor. At its core, this recipe is all about allowing a few key ingredients to sing, particularly the green chilies and pork. The chilies provide a unique heat, which is a flavor profile quite different from that of red chili variants. Their distinct taste, combined with the savory pork, brings out a deliciously rich and hearty soup. It's a dish that does not need to hide behind complexity, and instead delights in its own beautiful simplicity.
Moreover, another compelling reason to prepare this soup is its versatility. This recipe can be served as a standalone meal, a perfect balance of protein and heat, or as an accompaniment to other dishes. It's also a wonderful way to use leftover pork, cutting down on waste and providing a flavorful alternative to more traditional leftover recipes. And while it does take some time to prepare, most of that is hands-off cooking, making it a good choice for both busy weekday dinners and leisurely weekend meals. This Green Chili Pork Soup offers a blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress, whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends.
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder- This cut is ideal for slow-cooking soups because it gets tender and infuses the broth with flavor. Substitute: beef chuck or chicken thighs if you don't eat pork.
Green Chilies- The chilies add a hint of spice and depth. Substitute: canned green chilies, or jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Garlic-Garlic adds a distinct flavor that pairs well with the chilies and pork. Substitute: garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic.
Onion- It adds a sweet note and depth to the soup. Substitute: shallots or leeks for a different flavor profile.
Chicken Broth- Chicken broth is the base of the soup, and adds a savory note. Substitute: vegetable broth if you prefer.
Tips
- Browning the pork before adding it to the soup can add extra flavor.
- For a smoother soup, blend some or all of the cooked chilies and onions before adding to the soup.
- If you prefer a more spicy soup, feel free to add some hot sauce or more chilies.
- Freshly prepared chicken broth can greatly enhance the taste, but store-bought is fine too.
- If you have the time, let the soup simmer for longer to develop the flavors even more.
How to Serve
This green chili pork soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. It can be a meal on its own, with its hearty pieces of pork and flavorful broth. A simple crusty bread on the side is enough to complete the meal.
- Specifically, you could serve this soup with warm tortillas, allowing guests to make their own taco-like bites.
- A side of Mexican rice would complement the soup's flavors beautifully, providing a satisfying complete meal.
- Lastly, a crunchy, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette could provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy soup.
Similar Recipes
Green Chili Soup
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds pork shoulder cut into chunks
- 1 cup green chilies diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large onion diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the pork chunks on all sides and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the garlic and onion until softened.
- Add the green chilies and continue to sauté for a few minutes.
- Return the pork to the pot, add chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 2 hours until the pork is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Browning the pork before adding it to the soup can add extra flavor.
- For a smoother soup, blend some or all of the cooked chilies and onions before adding to the soup.
- If you prefer a more spicy soup, feel free to add some hot sauce or more chilies.
- Freshly prepared chicken broth can greatly enhance the taste, but store-bought is fine too.
- If you have the time, let the soup simmer for longer to develop the flavors even more.
Basic, but spot on. I recommend buying Young Guns frozen or bottled green chile for authentic taste.