Colorado Green Chili
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Pork Shoulder
2 pounds (907)
Green Chilies
1 pound (454)
Onions
2 medium (250)
Garlic Cloves
4 cloves (12)
Chicken Broth
4 cups (960)
Flour
2 tablespoons (28)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (8)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (4)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Water
2 cups (480)
Lime Wedges
4 wedges (60)
Totals
113 oz
(3,201 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Pork Shoulder
320
Green Chilies
40
Onions
40
Garlic Cloves
4
Chicken Broth
10
Tomatoes
25
Flour
28
Vegetable Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Cumin
0
Oregano
0
Cilantro
1
Lime Juice
20
Sugar
16
Sour Cream
30
Cheddar Cheese
110
Tortillas
80
Totals
844 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Increase the heat to medium-high and add diced pork shoulder or chicken, stirring occasionally until browned.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir well to coat evenly.
Step 6: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 7: Add chopped green chilies, diced tomatoes, and any additional desired vegetables (such as bell peppers or corn).
Step 8: Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 10: If desired, add cooked white beans or hominy during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 11: Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Step 12: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, grated cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Step 13: Enjoy your homemade Colorado Green Chili with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder: Substitute with beef chuck or chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly as needed.
- Vegetable Oil: Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor, or use red onions for a slightly different taste.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder as a substitute. 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to one clove of garlic.
- Green Chilies: Substitute with canned green chilies or jalapenos. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference for spiciness.
- Chicken Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or water mixed with chicken bouillon cubes or powder. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Tomatoes: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
- Cumin: Substitute with ground coriander or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
- Oregano: Substitute with dried thyme or basil if desired.
- Salt: Adjust the amount of salt based on personal preference and taste while cooking.
- Pepper: Substitute with ground black pepper or cayenne pepper for added heat if desired.
- Flour: Substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening, if necessary.
- Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar for a slightly different tang.
- Fresh Cilantro: Substitute with parsley or basil if desired, or omit if not available.
Note: The quantities required for each substitute ingredient may vary based on personal taste preferences and the desired outcome of the dish. Adjustments to cooking time, seasoning, and thickness may be needed when substituting ingredients.
Pairings
- Cornbread
- Tortilla chips
- Quesadillas
- Enchiladas
- Tamales
- Huevos rancheros
- Nachos
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Margaritas
- Mexican beer
- Tequila shots
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the Colorado Green Chili with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Serve the dish in individual mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for an eye-catching presentation.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top and swirl it with a toothpick to create an elegant design.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Roast the vegetables before adding them to the chili for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
- Incorporate a variety of beans such as black beans or pinto beans to add different textures and flavors.
- Add a handful of corn kernels to bring a slight crunch and sweetness to the chili.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, locally sourced grass-fed beef or bison instead of regular ground meat for a richer and more indulgent taste.
- Substitute regular chicken broth with homemade bone broth for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Enhance the chili with a touch of smoky heat by adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or smoked paprika.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly to accommodate any changes made to the recipe. Enjoy your next-level Colorado Green Chili!
Diet Restrictions
1. Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium broth or homemade broth instead of regular broth to reduce sodium content.
2. Lower fat content: Trim excess fat from meat and use lean cuts or substitute with beans and vegetables to reduce fat content.
3. Increase fiber: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to increase fiber content.
4. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener instead of regular flour.
5. Vegetarian/vegan option: Substitute meat with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
6. Dairy-free option: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
7. Low-carb option: Reduce or omit potatoes and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.
8. Allergen-friendly: Be mindful of potential allergens like peanuts or soy sauce and use suitable substitutes or omit them entirely.
9. Customize spice level: Adjust the amount of chili peppers or use milder varieties to accommodate individual spice preferences.
10. Portion control: Serve smaller portions or pair the chili with a side of salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast or turkey instead of fatty cuts like pork.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to boost the nutritional content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing by using non-stick cooking spray or cooking with a small amount of olive oil.
- Opt for low-sodium or no-added-salt broth to control the sodium content.
- Choose whole grain flour or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for serving.
- Consider adding beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to increase the fiber and protein content.
- Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor instead of relying on excessive amounts of salt.
- Serve the chili with a side of mixed greens or a salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
- Minimize the use of cheese and sour cream as toppings, or choose reduced-fat versions to reduce saturated fat content.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut or frozen vegetables to save time on chopping.
2. Opt for canned green chilies instead of fresh ones to reduce preparation time.
3. Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for pork shoulder for a quicker cooking time.
4. Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process.
5. Make a larger batch and freeze leftovers for future use, saving time and money.
6. Replace expensive cuts of meat with cheaper alternatives like ground beef or turkey.
7. Use canned or boxed chicken broth instead of making homemade stock.
8. Add canned beans instead of soaking and cooking dried beans.
9. Use store-bought chili powder instead of blending your own spice mix.
10. Serve with inexpensive sides like rice or cornbread to make the meal more filling without breaking the bank.