Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe

Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe is a flavorful gem deeply rooted in the culinary history of Denver, Colorado. This dish blends Mexican culinary traditions with local ingredients, creating a unique and irresistible flavor profile.

The hearty combination of diced pork, jalapeños, and green chilies offers a mouthwatering experience for anyone seeking comfort and spice in their meals.

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, they found that making Santiago’s Green Chili was not only exciting but also rewarding. The recipe balances heat and flavor perfectly, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a bit of spice.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a versatile sauce, it promises to enhance any meal with its authentic taste.

Not only does this dish hold a special place in his heart, but it also reflects the fusion of cultures that makes Colorado’s cuisine so unique.

For anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Mexican-style cooking with a personal touch, Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe is a must-try. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food while being simple enough for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices to master.

Why You Will Love Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile

Santiago’s Green Chili is celebrated for its bold flavors and versatility. Made with a delightful mix of diced pork, jalapeños, and green chilies, it’s an iconic dish from Colorado’s Mexican cuisine.

This chili stands out due to its ability to serve as both a hearty meal and a zesty condiment.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are planning a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, Santiago’s Green Chili fits the bill. Its balanced heat and rich taste make it a favorite for many occasions.

With a recipe that’s easy to adjust, you can cater to personal preferences by adding more spice or keeping it mild.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

The magic of this dish comes from its humble ingredients. Fresh chilies, onions, and tomatoes combine beautifully with the tender pork, creating a chili that is both simple and satisfying.

You can find most of the ingredients at local markets, making this chili an accessible option for homemade cooking.

Easy to Customize

Santiago’s Green Chili is incredibly adaptable. Want a vegetarian version? Substitute the pork with tofu or extra beans.

Prefer a thicker consistency? Mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last minutes of cooking.

These small changes can make a big difference, making the recipe suitable for everyone.

A Taste of Tradition

Rooted in the history of Mexican settlers in Colorado, this recipe offers a taste of tradition and authenticity. Santiago’s Green Chili connects people to the rich cultural heritage of Colorado’s Mexican cuisine, making it a delicious way to experience local flavors.

How To Make Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe

This famous dish combines tender pork and a mix of flavorful spices with hearty green chilies.

Mastering this recipe involves carefully choosing fresh ingredients, using the right kitchen tools, and following precise cooking instructions.

Ingredients

A flavorful Santiago’s Green Chili requires several key ingredients.

First, gather about 2 pounds of diced pork, ideally pork shoulder for tenderness.

You will need a good amount of green chilies; roasted ones add a nice depth to the flavor.

Fresh jalapeños and onions are crucial for a spicy kick and balance.

A mix of spices including ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground dry mustard adds a complex flavor profile.

Garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, all-purpose flour, and some chicken bouillon are also necessary to achieve the right consistency and taste.

Finally, for seasoning and texture, you’ll want salt, vegetable oil, and a roux for thickening if needed.

Instruments

Gather the right tools for cooking Santiago’s Green Chili to ensure things go smoothly.

You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. A skillet is helpful for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables separately.

A good knife and cutting board are essential for prepping ingredients like onions, jalapeños, and pork.

Use measuring spoons for precision with spices and ingredients like ground cumin and all-purpose flour.

A wooden spoon or spatula will assist with stirring and mixing during cooking.

A blender or immersion blender can be handy for achieving the right texture, especially to smooth out the sauce if desired.

Step By Step Instruction

Start by marinating the diced pork in a bit of salt, black pepper, and chicken bouillon. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Heat vegetable oil in your large pot. Sauté onions and minced garlic until they soften.

Add the marinated pork and cook until browned evenly.

Next, incorporate your spices including ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to develop depth in flavor. Stir often to prevent burning.

Follow by adding diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and green chilies.

Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the mix. Let this come to a boil and then reduce heat to let it simmer. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors well.

For the final touch, prepare the roux by whisking equal parts all-purpose flour and water. Add to the chili to reach the desired thickness.

Let it cook for another hour or until the pork is tender. Adjust seasoning to preference and enjoy your homemade Santiago’s Green Chili.

Tips & Tricks

When making Santiago’s Green Chili, using fresh ingredients can make a big difference.

If possible, roast fresh green chilies at home to bring out a smoky flavor. Roasting can be done over a flame or in an oven, allowing the skins to blister before peeling them off.

To control the heat of your chili, remember to deseed and remove the white membrane from the chilies. This is where most of the heat comes from. Adjust the amount of chilies used based on personal preference.

As the chili cooks, consider making it thicker by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, and adding this mix during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

This simple adjustment can enhance the texture without altering the flavor.

For those who prefer vegetarian options, substituting the meat with ingredients like cubed tofu or extra beans works well. The flavors remain rich and satisfying. Experiment with ingredients to find what suits your taste best.

Slow cooking is highly recommended for the best results. Allowing the chili to simmer over low heat helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Some say the chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

Lastly, always taste and adjust seasonings as needed during the cooking process. A little extra salt or pepper might be just what the dish needs to reach perfection.

Ingredient Substitute

When cooking Santiago’s Green Chili, swapping ingredients can make a big difference.

Tomato Alternatives: If out of tomato paste, try using tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. These work just fine for giving that rich taste.

Beef Variation: For a beefy twist, substitute chicken with ground beef. It adds a hearty flavor that many enjoy.

Want to go green without meat? Consider a vegetarian variation by replacing meat with cubed tofu or extra beans.

For a touch of luxury, try a creamy variation. Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to smooth out the texture. It’s a comforting change.

To heat things up, consider a spicy variation. Use hotter peppers or a pinch of chili powder. Extra jalapeños can also kick it up a notch!

Remember, these swaps can quickly change the dish’s profile, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds.

What To Serve With Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe

Green chili is a flavorful dish that can be paired with various sides to enhance the experience.

One popular choice is rice. White or brown rice is excellent for absorbing the rich, spicy flavors of the chili.

Potatoes make a hearty companion. Try serving the chili over baked potatoes for a comforting meal. The potatoes soak up the sauce, creating a satisfying combination.

For a touch of traditional Mexican cuisine, consider enchiladas. Use the green chili as a topping to add a spicy kick to this classic dish. It complements the flavors of cheese and tortillas perfectly.

Breakfast burritos are another great option. Fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and green chili sauce for a delicious start to your day.

It’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed anytime.

Don’t forget about huevos rancheros. This dish, with its eggs and tortillas, pairs excellently with the green chili. Simply drizzle the sauce over the top for an authentic Mexican breakfast experience.

Nutrition Fact

Santiago’s Green Chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. For those curious about what they’re consuming, here’s the breakdown:

• Serving Size: ¼ cup (59g)
• Calories: Approximately 40 to 50
• Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 34% of calorie content
• Proteins: 17% of calorie content

Green chilies inherently contain antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients are known to support overall health.

• Sodium: 230mg
• Potassium: 70mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: Minimal, around 1g

The fat content makes up about 43% of the calories, giving a flavorful richness. Meanwhile, the antioxidants in the green chilies can help protect against certain diseases due to their health-promoting properties.

Chilies are a great source of these health-boosting nutrients, which can support the body’s immune system. Santiago’s Green Chili lets you savor the taste while providing essential nutrients.