Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

Welcome to a heartwarming recipe straight from my family kitchen – Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice. This dish is a cherished gem that embodies the essence of comfort food with a kick of flavor. Picture tender pork chops simmered in a rich blend of chiles, tomatoes, and cumin, creating a hearty stew that will transport you to cozy Sunday dinners surrounded by loved ones.

The beauty of Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice lies in its simplicity and depth of taste. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is a celebration of tradition and togetherness. The aroma of green chiles mingling with cumin will evoke memories of family gatherings and stories shared around the table. It’s a recipe that brings generations together and fills the house with warmth and love.

Whether you savor it fresh off the stove or relish the enhanced flavors as leftovers, this chili verde is a crowd-pleaser that only gets better with time. Pair it with fluffy Spanish rice, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve alongside warm tortillas or cornbread for a truly authentic experience. Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to heritage and a reminder of the simple joys found in good food and family.

Quick Benefits

• Pork chops or shoulder cut into chunks deliver the best texture and flavor for chili verde dishes.
• Spice levels are moderate with jalapeno and green chiles, but can be adjusted by adding or omitting chiles.
• Canned green chiles provide convenience and milder heat compared to fresh chiles.
• Browning pork helps seal in juices and adds a deep, savory flavor to the final dish.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe Recipe

• Rich, Comforting Flavors: This dish offers a blend of slow-simmered pork, chiles, and tomatoes that create a rich and comforting stew, perfect for satisfying cravings for hearty meals.
• Nostalgic and Heartfelt: Inspired by family traditions, this recipe evokes memories of Sunday dinners and family get-togethers, making it a dish that brings loved ones together.
• Deep, Robust Flavor: The combination of green chiles and cumin provides a warm and flavorful taste profile that deepens over time, making leftovers even tastier.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe offers flexibility in ingredient choices, allowing for substitutions like different cuts of meat or chiles, catering to individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, the chili verde can be stored for up to four days in the fridge or frozen in single-meal portions for up to three months, making it a convenient option for busy days.
• Balanced Spice Levels: With moderate spice levels from jalapenos and green chiles, this dish can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences by adding or omitting chiles.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve this hearty chili verde over fluffy Spanish rice, topped with cilantro and lime wedges, accompanied by warm tortillas, a crisp salad, or beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Generational Connection: The recipe is deeply rooted in Mexican American comfort food traditions, reflecting the heritage of coaxing big flavors from simple ingredients, making it a dish that carries stories and traditions through generations.

Ingredients for Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

Chili Verde Base

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

Pro Tips for Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

For the best results, be patient and allow the pork and chiles to simmer slowly to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This step is crucial for developing rich, comforting flavors reminiscent of family gatherings around the table.

Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different protein options like boneless country ribs or chicken thighs for a lighter twist. Additionally, you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeno and green chiles to suit your preferences.

To deepen the flavors, store any leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them in single-meal portions for up to three months. The chili verde actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Enjoy this dish with fluffy Spanish rice, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, along with warm tortillas or cornbread for a satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mexican American comfort food.

How to Make Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Pork

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

Step 2: Combine Aromatics and Chiles

Combine minced garlic, chopped onion, jalapeno chili, green chiles, yellow wax chile, and tomato with the browned pork, stirring well to combine.

Step 3: Season and Add Flour

Evenly coat the meat and vegetables by sprinkling flour, salt, and cumin over the mixture and stirring well.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili Verde

Add water and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pork is tender and flavors have blended. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Storage Tips

To store Grandma’s Chili Verde and Spanish Rice, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days. The flavors of this dish actually develop and deepen over time, so it’s known to taste even better after a day or two. For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the chili verde in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Remember to thaw the frozen portions completely in the refrigerator before gently reheating them on the stove for best results.

If you’re looking to make substitutions in the recipe, boneless country ribs or chicken thighs can be used instead of pork chops. Mild canned green chiles can be replaced with roasted poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you need to thicken the stew without flour, a sprinkle of masa harina or cornstarch works well. Serve this hearty chili verde over Spanish rice garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, paired with warm tortillas or cornbread. Adding a crisp salad and crumbled queso fresco alongside creates a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pork chops on hand, boneless country ribs or chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for a different twist on this dish. They can provide a lighter option while still absorbing the delicious flavors of the chiles and tomatoes during the slow cooking process.

If you can’t find canned mild green chiles, roasted poblano or Anaheim peppers can be a suitable alternative. They will offer a slightly different flavor profile but will still contribute to the overall richness of the dish. Additionally, if you need to avoid using flour, masa harina or cornstarch can be sprinkled in to help thicken the stew without compromising its consistency.

Experimenting with different types of fresh chiles can also enhance the flavor of the chili verde. While canned chiles offer convenience and milder heat, using fresh chiles can provide a brighter flavor profile to the dish. Remember that adjusting the spice level can be easily done by adding or omitting chiles based on your preference for a milder or spicier version of the chili.

Serving Suggestions

To serve Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice, spoon the rich and flavorful chili verde over a mound of fluffy Spanish rice. Top it off with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Pair this heartwarming dish with warm tortillas or cornbread for dipping and a side of crisp salad. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top for a delightful finish. This meal is perfect for family gatherings and will surely bring everyone together around the dinner table.

For a lighter spin on this traditional dish, try using boneless country ribs or chicken thighs instead of pork chops. You can also switch up the canned mild green chiles with roasted poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor profile. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself, this chili verde is a comforting and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs for Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork chops?

Yes, you can try boneless country ribs or chicken thighs as alternatives to pork chops for a lighter variation of the dish.

How can I adjust the spice level of the chili verde?

The spice levels can be adjusted by adding more or omitting the jalapeno and green chiles according to your preference.

Can I use fresh chiles instead of canned chiles?

Yes, you can use fresh chiles for a brighter flavor, but canned chiles provide convenience and a milder heat level.

Why is it important to brown the pork before simmering?

Browning the pork before simmering helps seal in the juices and adds a deep, savory flavor to the final dish, enhancing the overall taste of the chili verde.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice is not just a recipe; it’s a flavorful journey back to the heart of family gatherings and cherished memories. Embrace the slow simmer, the mingling of chiles and cumin, and the hearty goodness that fills your kitchen when you prepare this dish. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering with loved ones, this recipe is sure to warm hearts and bring smiles to faces.

So gather your ingredients, channel the spirit of generations past, and let the rich flavors of pork, chiles, and tomatoes create a symphony on your taste buds. Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those who matter most. Cheers to savoring every bite and creating new memories around the table with this beloved dish.

Authentic Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice Recipe

Grandma’s Chili Verde Spanish Rice: Slow-simmered pork, green chiles, and cumin create a rich, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings and sharing traditions.

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Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time75 Minutes

Total Time95 Minutes

CuisineMexican-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 large pot of stew)

Ingredients

Chili Verde Base

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

Instructions

1. Brown the Pork: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add pork chunks and sear until golden brown on all sides.
2. Combine Aromatics and Chiles: Combine minced garlic, chopped onion, jalapeno chili, green chiles, yellow wax chile, and tomato with the browned pork, stirring well to combine.
3. Season and Add Flour: Evenly coat the meat and vegetables by sprinkling flour, salt, and cumin over the mixture and stirring well.
4. Simmer the Chili Verde: Add water and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pork is tender and flavors have blended. Adjust seasoning if necessary.