New Mexico Green Chile Stew

Introduction

New Mexico Green Chile Stew is a bold, comforting dish rooted deeply in Southwestern and New Mexican cuisine. Made with roasted Hatch green chiles, tender chunks of pork, and soft potatoes simmered in a simple, flavorful broth, this stew is all about letting the chile flavor shine. It’s smoky, slightly spicy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—especially during cooler months or chile season.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled and chopped
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or pork broth)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, traditional versions may omit)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Pork
   Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes and brown on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics
   Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add Green Chiles
   Stir in chopped roasted green chiles. Cook for 3–4 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Simmer the Stew
   Add potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cook Until Tender
   Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and potatoes are soft.
6. Adjust & Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with warm tortillas or bread.

Tips for the Best Green Chile Stew

• Roast fresh green chiles yourself for the best smoky flavor
• Keep the ingredient list simple—traditional versions avoid heavy spices
• Let the stew rest 10–15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes. Beef stew meat or chuck works, but pork is more traditional in New Mexico Green Chile Stew.

2. What if I can’t find Hatch green chiles?
Use Anaheim or Pueblo green chiles as substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

3. How spicy is this stew?
Heat depends entirely on the chiles used. Hatch chiles range from mild to hot—choose based on your preference.