Slow Cooker Pork in Salsa Verde (Hatch Chile)
Salsa Verde Pork is made with chunks of tender browned pork, slow-cooked in a spicy hatch chile sauce. Tangy and flavorful, this Slow Cooker Hatch Chile Pork is delicious on its own or served with tortillas and sour cream.
Servings: 2 Pounds
Calories: 1370kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tomatillos - husked rinsed, halved
- 1 onion quartered
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2-4 roasted hatch chiles
- ⅓ cup cilantro
- 2 lbs pork stew meat
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place tomatillos and onions on the sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool briefly, then transfer to a food processor with chiles. Include cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper to the mix.
- Add stew meat to the slow cooker. Top the meat with the blended sauce.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. Serve with warmed tortillas.
Notes
- Brown the Meat: For an added depth of flavor, consider browning the pork pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the sugars in the meat, lending a richer taste to the final dish.
- Layer Flavors: For those who enjoy complexity, try adding a splash of chicken stock or beer to the salsa verde before pouring it over the pork. The liquid will deglaze the pan and add another layer of taste.
- Herb Variations: While cilantro is traditional, experiment with other fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for a different twist on the flavor profile.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re catering to different spice levels, serve additional chopped hatch chiles or spicy salsa on the side, allowing guests to personalize the heat of their meal.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish Galore: Enhance the dish with garnishes like chopped avocado, radishes, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness and vibrancy.
Nutrition
Serving: 2lb | Calories: 1370kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 82g | Fat: 101g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 44g | Cholesterol: 327mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 2636mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 7mg