There’s something about a hearty bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug for your soul. And if you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s also packed with flavor, Pork Green Chili Soup is your go-to recipe. This dish, which has its roots in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, combines tender pork with a rich, spicy broth, green chilies, and a variety of vegetables. The result? A dish that’s bold, savory, and deeply satisfying.
This soup isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating a meal that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly nights or when you want something that tastes like home. The smokiness from the green chilies and the melt-in-your-mouth pork come together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve it with a side of cornbread or enjoy it on its own, Pork Green Chili Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Pork Green Chili Soup Recipe
Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe for Pork Green Chili Soup. It’s easy to make, and the layers of flavor make it feel like you’ve been simmering it all day, even though it only takes about an hour to prepare.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 lbs of pork shoulder or pork stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is preferable)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced green chilies (you can also use fresh roasted green chilies for a more intense flavor)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (adds a heartiness to the soup)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for a little acidity and brightness)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Cooking Instructions
- Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and sear them on all sides until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Simmer the soup: Add the seared pork back into the pot, followed by the chicken broth, diced green chilies, tomatoes, diced potatoes, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish the soup: Once the pork is tender, add the lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese for added richness.
Ingredient Insights
A lot of the magic of Pork Green Chili Soup lies in its ingredients. Let’s break them down:
- Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for soups because it’s well-marbled with fat, which makes it juicy and tender when cooked. It holds its shape during simmering and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Green Chilies: Whether you use canned or fresh, green chilies bring a signature smoky and slightly spicy flavor that defines this soup. The heat level can vary depending on the type of chili you use, so always taste and adjust as needed.
- Potatoes: They aren’t just there to fill you up-they provide a nice balance to the heat of the chilies. The potatoes also absorb the soup’s flavor, becoming creamy as they cook.
- Cumin & Oregano: These two spices bring warmth and earthiness to the soup. Cumin has a slightly smoky flavor, and oregano adds a savory herbal note that complements the pork and chilies.
- Lime Juice: The acidity from lime cuts through the richness of the pork and balances the flavors. It adds a refreshing zing that brightens the whole dish.
Expert Tips
If you want to make sure your Pork Green Chili Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these expert tips:
- Sear the pork well: Don’t rush the searing step. Allow the pork to develop a nice brown crust because this caramelization adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup.
- Use bone-in pork for extra flavor: If you want even more depth of flavor, consider using bone-in pork shoulder. The bones will release collagen, making the broth even richer and more flavorful.
- Customize the heat: If you like more heat, add a diced jalapeño or use hotter varieties of green chilies. Conversely, if you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the fresh green chilies.
- Let it rest: Like many soups and stews, this one tastes even better the next day. Allowing it to rest in the fridge overnight lets the flavors meld together even more.
- Toppings matter: Sour cream and cheese are classic toppings, but try adding a sprinkle of chopped avocado or a handful of tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
This Pork Green Chili Soup is versatile, and you can mix it up depending on what you have in your kitchen or your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, throw in a can of pinto or black beans. They also help thicken the soup, making it heartier.
- Use different meats: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with chicken, turkey, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since each protein has different tenderness levels.
- Make it spicy: If you love a good kick, consider adding fresh diced serrano peppers or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
- Go vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the pork for cubed tempeh or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the heat of the chilies.
Final Words
Pork Green Chili Soup is the kind of dish that grows on you. The flavors are bold, hearty, and perfect for cozying up to on a cool day. With a combination of tender pork, green chilies, and warming spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a chilly weekend, or just craving something flavorful, this soup will definitely hit the spot.
And, with the flexibility to customize ingredients and adjust the heat, this recipe is an easy one to make your own. Once you’ve made it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it over and over again.
FAQs
What Is Pork Green Chili Soup?
Pork green chili soup is a savory and flavorful dish made with tender pieces of pork, green chilies, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. The soup is typically spicy, tangy, and hearty, perfect for cold weather. It often includes ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatillos, and sometimes potatoes or beans.
What Kind Of Pork Should I Use For This Soup?
The best cuts of pork for pork green chili soup are usually pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts are relatively affordable and become tender when slow-cooked. You can also use ground pork for a quicker alternative, though the texture and flavor will differ.
Can I Make Pork Green Chili Soup Spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by using hotter varieties of green chilies, such as serrano or jalapeño peppers. Adding additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce can also increase the heat. For a milder soup, you can remove the seeds from the chilies or use milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pork Green Chili Soup?
Cooking time for pork green chili soup depends on the method you use. In a slow cooker, it typically takes 6-8 hours on low heat. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, it can take about 2-3 hours to simmer the pork until it becomes tender. The time may vary depending on the size of the pork pieces and the heat level.
Can I Make Pork Green Chili Soup In Advance?
Yes, pork green chili soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply allow the soup to cool, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat before serving. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Pork Green Chili Soup?
Popular side dishes include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad with a tangy dressing. For a more substantial meal, you can serve the soup with rice, warm flour tortillas, or even a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice.
Can I Make Pork Green Chili Soup Without Tomatoes?
Yes, you can make pork green chili soup without tomatoes. Some recipes use tomatillos instead of tomatoes to provide the tangy flavor, while others skip the tomatoes altogether and rely on green chilies and other seasonings. It’s possible to adjust the recipe based on personal taste preferences.
How Can I Thicken My Pork Green Chili Soup?
To thicken pork green chili soup, you can use a few different methods. Pureeing a portion of the soup with a blender or immersion blender will create a thicker texture. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or even add mashed potatoes or beans for extra thickness.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Pork Green Chili Soup?
Common vegetables in pork green chili soup include onions, garlic, potatoes, corn, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also experiment with adding zucchini, squash, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of Pork Green Chili Soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version of green chili soup by substituting the pork with plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or beans (like pinto or black beans). You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or pork broth, and replace pork with roasted vegetables for a hearty alternative.