Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

Welcome to a heartwarming recipe straight from my family’s kitchen: Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice. This dish is a cherished tradition that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The slow-simmered pork, infused with chiles and tomatoes, creates a rich and comforting blend of flavors that will transport you to nostalgic Sunday dinners with loved ones.

As I stir the pot and let the enticing aroma fill the air, memories of my grandma’s simmering patience and my grandpa’s sneaky second helping come flooding back. The way the green chiles dance with cumin in this recipe adds a touch of warmth that makes each bite a true delight. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better as the flavors deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

So gather your ingredients, bring out your favorite pot, and let Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice take center stage on your table. Whether you stick to the classic pork chops or give it a twist with chicken thighs, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your family, just like it is in mine.

Quick Benefits

• Rich blend of flavors from slow-simmered pork, chiles, tomatoes, and cumin
• Leftovers taste even better as flavors deepen over time
• Versatile recipe allowing for ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences
• Thick and rich consistency achieved by simmering with a small amount of flour

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe Recipe

• Rich Flavor Profile: The slow-simmered pork blends with chiles and tomatoes to create a rich and comforting dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients like pork chops, chiles, and cumin come together to create a flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for cozy nights at home.
• Leftovers Get Better: The flavors deepen as the chili verde sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile Recipe: Make it your own by using different proteins like chicken thighs or boneless country ribs, and customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos or choosing milder chiles.
• Cultural Connection: This recipe is a tribute to Mexican American comfort food, offering a taste of tradition and a connection to the past with every batch.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or batch cooking.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve the hearty chili verde over fluffy Spanish rice with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, alongside warm tortillas or cornbread, for a true feast that brings your family together.

Ingredients for Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 large yellow wax chili, finely diced
• 6 large pork chops, cut into large chunks
• Cumin, to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno chile, canned, finely chopped
• 3 cups (720 ml) water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 400 grams canned chopped green chiles
• Salt, to taste
• 1 medium fresh tomato, chopped

Pro Tips for Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

For the most flavorful and tender result, opt for large pork chops or pork shoulder cut into large chunks. This will ensure the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers with the chiles and tomatoes.

Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of jalapeno or choosing milder chiles according to your preference. This allows you to tailor the heat level to suit your taste buds.

When simmering the chili verde, be patient and allow it to cook gently, covered, until the pork reaches the desired tenderness, usually around 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking process enhances the flavors and ensures a rich and hearty stew.

After cooking, let the chili verde rest as the flavors will continue to develop. Reheat gently before serving for the best taste experience, allowing the deep flavors to fully come together.

How to Make Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sear Pork Chunks

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chunks and brown them evenly on all sides.

Step 2: Incorporate Aromatics and Chiles

Add minced garlic, chopped onion, canned jalapeno, chopped green chiles, yellow wax chili, and chopped tomato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and release aroma.

Step 3: Season and Thicken

Evenly coat the mixture with flour, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Water and Simmer

Pour water into the pot and stir to combine, making sure to dissolve any bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 60 minutes until the pork is tender and the stew thickens.

Storage Tips

To store Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice, first, allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate the chili verde for up to four days. The flavors of this dish actually improve after a day or two, as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, freeze the chili verde in single-meal portions for up to three months. Make sure to thaw the frozen chili completely before reheating gently on the stove.

When reheating the chili verde, do so gently to avoid overcooking the pork and vegetables. This dish pairs well with fluffy Spanish rice, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Additionally, consider serving it with warm tortillas or cornbread for dipping. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos or opting for milder chiles. Enjoy this hearty and comforting stew that brings families together with its rich flavors and deep-rooted tradition.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find pork chops, boneless country ribs or chicken thighs can be excellent substitutes for a lighter version of this dish. The pork shoulder, cut into large chunks, is also a great alternative for a flavorful and tender result during simmering. For a vegetarian twist, consider using tofu or jackfruit as a substitute for the meat while still enjoying the rich flavors of the chiles and tomatoes.

When it comes to the green chiles, canned mild green chiles can be interchanged with roasted poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor profile. You can adjust the level of heat by modifying the number of jalapenos used or by opting for milder chiles based on your preference. Additionally, for those looking to avoid using flour, masa harina or cornstarch can be sprinkled in to help thicken the stew without compromising the texture.

Remember to let the chili verde cool completely before storing, as the flavors deepen over time. This dish actually tastes better after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead meal. When reheating, do so gently on the stove for the best taste. Enjoy this hearty chili verde over fluffy Spanish rice, topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and pair it with warm tortillas or cornbread for a satisfying meal that brings families together.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving Grandma’s Chili Verde over a bed of crispy tortilla chips for a delicious twist on nachos. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a fun and flavorful appetizer or party dish. Alternatively, pair this hearty stew with fluffy Spanish rice and warm cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal that will transport you to a cozy family dinner gathering. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of brightness that complements the rich flavors of the chili verde perfectly.

FAQs for Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork chops in this recipe?

Yes, you can try boneless country ribs or even chicken thighs for a lighter variation of Grandma’s Chili Verde.

Is it possible to adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Absolutely! You can modify the number of jalapenos used or opt for milder chiles to suit your spice preference.

Why is flour added to the recipe?

A small amount of flour is added to help thicken the sauce, creating a rich consistency as the dish simmers.

How long should I simmer the chili verde for tender pork?

Simmer the dish gently, covered, until the pork is tender—typically 1 to 1.5 hours for the best results.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to family traditions and cherished memories. The warm, comforting flavors of this dish have a way of bringing loved ones together around the dinner table, just like they did in my grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of home, this hearty chili verde and Spanish rice combo is sure to satisfy your cravings.

As you savor each bite of Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice, may you feel the love and care that goes into every simmer and stir. Remember, the longer it sits, the better it gets, so don’t be afraid to enjoy the leftovers for days to come. Let this recipe be a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls. So gather your loved ones, pour yourself a bowl of this delicious chili verde, and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Delicious Green Chili Rice Recipe

Grandma’s Chili Verde Rice: A comforting blend of slow-simmered pork, chiles, and tomatoes that brings generations together with rich flavors and heartwarming tradition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time60 Minutes

Total Time75 Minutes

CuisineMexican-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 large pot)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 large yellow wax chili, finely diced
• 6 large pork chops, cut into large chunks
• Cumin, to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno chile, canned, finely chopped
• 3 cups (720 ml) water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 400 grams canned chopped green chiles
• Salt, to taste
• 1 medium fresh tomato, chopped

Instructions

1. Sear Pork Chunks: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chunks and brown them evenly on all sides.
2. Incorporate Aromatics and Chiles: Add minced garlic, chopped onion, canned jalapeno, chopped green chiles, yellow wax chili, and chopped tomato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and release aroma.
3. Season and Thicken: Evenly coat the mixture with flour, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour water into the pot and stir to combine, making sure to dissolve any bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 60 minutes until the pork is tender and the stew thickens.