Ah, the magical feeling of wind rustling through the trees, the crispness in the air, and the cozy scent of something delicious bubbling away in the kitchen. This is precisely what you’ll feel when you whip up my Hearty Green Chile Stew. I remember the first time I tried a version of this stew during a chilly autumn evening in New Mexico, where friends and family gathered around the table, sipping chili and sharing stories. You could feel the warmth from the stew wrapping you in comfort, almost like a hug in a bowl!

This stew has since become a beloved recipe in my home. It’s the kind of dish you want to serve after a long day at work, or to warm you up after a chilly weekend hike. Trust me, once your family takes a whiff of this bubbling pot of goodness, they will come running to the kitchen! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make your evenings a little cozier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: This stew comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Packed with hearty ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: A warm hug of spices and flavors that fill your house with soul-warming aromas.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add different vegetables to suit your taste!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers all week long.

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold work beautifully)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking this stew is as easy as pie! Follow these simple steps to bring this hearty dish to life:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. The sizzle will make you smile!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant—oh, that smell!
3. Brown the Pork: Toss in the pork shoulder cubes, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). This is where the magic begins, and it’s a sight to behold! Don’t worry if the bottom gets a little browned; it adds flavor. Just be sure to scrape those bits up when adding liquid later.
4. Add the Veggies: Stir in the green bell pepper and diced potatoes for a cozy, colorful addition.
5. Combine the Goodness: Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the diced green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld. You’ll want to check on it and stir occasionally, so you can’t go too wrong here!
7. Taste and Adjust: After 1.5 hours, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your time to shine as the chef!
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the stew is beautifully thickened and all the flavors have married, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a delightful creamy touch.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, let’s get creative! Here are some fun suggestions to make this stew your own:

• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix!
• Beef It Up: Swap the pork for beef if that’s more your style.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth for a scrumptious plant-based option.
• Toppings Galore: Try topping it with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
• Herb Swap: Fresh dill or parsley can also offer a delightful twist in flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: a hearty bowl of green chile stew in one hand and a warm piece of crusty bread in the other. It’s the ultimate cozy combination! If you’re looking for something a bit more filling, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of cornbread that soaks up all that delicious broth. You can even pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing balance.

As for drinks, a glass of crisp iced tea or a robust red wine pairs perfectly, bringing just the right blend of flavors to your evening. Enjoying this meal on the couch under a blanket while watching your favorite show? Now that’s a cozy night in!

Storage Tips

This stew is perfect for meal prepping and can store quite well in the fridge or freezer! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Freeze: Freeze it for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags for convenience!
• Reheat: To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it looks too thick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of pork in this stew?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts would work wonderfully as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours and enjoy the incredible aroma filling your home!

What can I do if my stew is too spicy?

If you find your stew is spicier than you’d like, adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream can help mellow out the heat. You can also add some diced potatoes to absorb the spice!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. Carrots, zucchini, or even corn can enhance the dish’s flavor and add a fun twist.

How do I make it gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, thanks to the ingredients used! Just be sure to check the labels on your broth and spices to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the whole rundown on this Hearty Green Chile Stew, I hope you’re excited to add it to your repertoire! It’s a dish that says love in every bite, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings. Feel free to comment below and let me know how it turned out for you, any fun twists you tried, or if it became a new family favorite! Happy cooking, my friend—and here’s to many warm, cozy nights ahead spent enjoying delicious food together!

Hearty Green Chile Stew: Cozy Comfort for Chilly Nights

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a delicious green chile stew perfect for chilly nights, offering cozy comfort and flavor that warms your heart and soul. Enjoy this stew!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1 pound of pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chiles

4 cups of chicken broth

2 cups of diced potatoes

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of ground oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Sour cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Toss in the pork shoulder cubes, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).

Stir in the green bell pepper and diced potatoes.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

After 1.5 hours, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and optional sour cream.

Notes

A delicious and comforting Hearty Green Chile Stew, perfect for chilly nights. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe will warm your heart!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: hearty stew, green chile stew, comfort food, easy recipe, cozy dinner, meal prep