The Colorado Green Chili appears often on lists that name the most iconic foods in Colorado. The Green Chili is often used as a topping for another dish (a burrito for example). Try out this recipe for Colorado Green Chili – you will not be disappointed!
1lbpork tenderloincut into bite sized pieces; remove any silver skin and fat attached to the tenderloin
3 4 oz cansgreen chilis I used Hatch Green Chilis - there is a mild or hot version - pick your favorite or combine however you like – do not drain)
14.5oz candiced tomatoes
½cupchicken brothcan sub water or chicken stock
1lgoniondiced
5clovesgarlicminced
1tschicken bouillon granules you can also use a chicken bouillon cube
1tssaltto taste
½tspepperto taste
1tsgreen chile powder
Optional
1tscorn starchif thicker chili is desired; can also use some fine ground corn meal
Instructions
Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Now add the pork tenderloin (which has been cut into bite sized pieces) and cook until it is no longer pink, around 5 minutes.
Time to add your green chilis (not drained), tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, green chile powder, and chicken bouillon. Mix well and bring to the boil on medium-high heat.
Turn down to med low heat, cover and cook at a simmer for 30 minutes. At this time, check to see whether the chile is too thin or if it's how you want it to be. If it's too think you can take the cover off and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, for a total of 45 minutes. If it looks good to you, cover and simmer another 15 minutes.
If at the end of this time the chili is too thin for your liking, you can add a small amount of corn starch (which has been mixed with some cold water) to thicken. Allow to come to the boil for a few minutes to thicken.
Notes
Here is a pro tip from a reader: Instead of using cornstarch for thickening, you can add a handful of fine ground cornmeal and you get the flavor of corn and it's more authentic! Thank you Cat for your pro tip!That’s it! Smother your burrito with this green chili, or serve over rice as we did. Either way, this green chili is delicious, easy to make, and quite a frugal meal as well. Enjoy!