This green enchilada pork chili is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. The tender pork tenderloin and vibrant green salsa create a harmonious dish that is both comforting and zesty. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Photos of Green Enchilada Pork Chili Recipe
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples like garlic and chicken broth, you might need to pick up a few specific items. Make sure to grab a bottle of Italian dressing, a can of pinto beans, and a jar of green salsa. These unique components add a distinct flavor that sets this chili apart.
Ingredients for Green Enchilada Pork Chili
Italian dressing: A zesty and tangy dressing that helps to marinate and flavor the pork.
Pork tenderloin: A lean and tender cut of pork that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
Pinto beans: These beans are hearty and add a creamy consistency to the chili.
Green salsa: A tangy and slightly spicy salsa made with tomatillos and green chilies, which gives the chili its unique flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds a rich and savory base to the chili.
Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
Sour cream: Optional garnish that adds a creamy and tangy finish to the chili.
Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a rich and melty topping to the chili.
Tortilla strips: Optional garnish that adds a crunchy texture to the dish.
Fresh cilantro: Optional garnish that adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the chili.
One reader, Helge Cano says:
This green enchilada pork chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the tender pork is delicious. The garnishes add a nice touch, making each bite a delight. A must-try for chili lovers!
Techniques Required for Making Green Enchilada Pork Chili
How to cook pork tenderloin: Explanation on cooking pork tenderloin until fully cooked, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). How to simmer: Explanation on reducing heat to low and allowing the mixture to cook gently, maintaining a slight bubbling. How to garnish: Explanation on adding sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro to the dish before serving.
How To Make Green Enchilada Pork Chili
A tasty Mexican-style dish, this green enchilada pork chili combines beans, green salsa, and chicken broth for a meal that’s bursting with warm flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupItalian dressing
- 1½lbspork tenderloin,cut into bite size pieces
- 1tspgarlic,minced
- 1tsponion powder
- 30ozpinto beans,rinsed
- 16ozgreen salsa
- 14½ozchicken broth
- 1cancorn
For Garnish:
- sour cream
- cheese
- tortilla strips
- fresh cilantro,chopped
Instructions
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In a large pot, add dressing meat, garlic, and onion powder. Cook on medium-high for 14 to 15 minutes or until meat is fully cooked.
-
Add beans, salsa, broth, and corn to the pot and mix well.
-
Bring to boil and let simmer on low for 15 minutes.
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Pour into bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1096.76kcal
- Fat: 14.98g
- Saturated Fat: 3.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.30g
- Carbohydrates: 154.67g
- Fiber: 36.50g
- Sugar: 13.18g
- Protein: 86.53g
- Cholesterol: 123.49mg
- Sodium: 1166.00mg
- Calcium: 298.23mg
- Potassium: 4186.84mg
- Iron: 13.49mg
- Vitamin A: 52.09µg
- Vitamin C: 19.02mg
Technique Tip for Preparing Green Enchilada Pork Chili
To enhance the flavor of the pork tenderloin, consider marinating it in the Italian dressing for at least an hour before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb more of the dressing's herbs and spices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Pre-cook the pork: Cook the pork tenderloin in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to make the chili.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned pinto beans instead of dried ones. They are already cooked and will cut down your preparation time significantly.
Ready-made salsa: Use store-bought green salsa to avoid the hassle of making it from scratch.
Frozen corn: Substitute canned corn with frozen corn. It’s quicker to measure out and often fresher.
Pre-measured spices: Measure out the garlic and onion powder ahead of time and store them in small containers.
Substitute Ingredients For Green Enchilada Pork Chili Recipe
italian dressing - Substitute with lime juice and olive oil: This combination provides a tangy and fresh flavor similar to Italian dressing.
pork tenderloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be used in place of pork tenderloin for a different but still delicious flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can provide a similar taste.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can be used to replace onion powder for a more robust flavor.
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for pinto beans.
green salsa - Substitute with tomatillo sauce: Tomatillo sauce has a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used in place of canned corn and provides a similar texture and flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that provides a similar creamy texture.
cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative to regular cheese.
tortilla strips - Substitute with crushed tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips can provide a similar crunchy texture as tortilla strips.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro if you prefer a milder flavor.
Best Way to Present Green Enchilada Pork Chili
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the green enchilada pork chili in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to allow for a more refined portion size. This helps in showcasing the dish's vibrant colors and textures.
Use decoration: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream in the center, a sprinkle of finely shredded cheese around the edges, and a few tortilla strips artistically placed to add height and crunch.
Highlight fresh ingredients: Add a sprig of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh aroma.
Layer textures: Ensure the pork tenderloin is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces and placed strategically to create layers of texture with the pinto beans and corn.
Balance colors: Use the contrasting colors of the green salsa, pinto beans, and corn to create a visually appealing dish. The green, brown, and yellow hues should be evenly distributed.
Serve with elegance: Place the bowl on a pristine white plate to frame the dish elegantly. Add a small side of extra tortilla strips in a separate dish for added crunch and presentation.
Attention to detail: Wipe the rim of the bowl clean before serving to ensure a professional and polished look. This small detail can make a significant difference in presentation quality.
Essential Tools for Making Pork Chili
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the pork and combining all the ingredients. It provides enough space for thorough mixing and simmering.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary to accurately measure the Italian dressing, beans, salsa, and chicken broth.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure the garlic and onion powder precisely.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pot without scratching the surface.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is useful for cutting the pork tenderloin into smaller pieces if needed.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and clean surface for cutting the pork tenderloin.
Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the cans of pinto beans and corn.
Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the chili into bowls.
Bowls: Bowls are used for serving the chili.
Grater: A grater is useful if you need to shred cheese for the garnish.
Serving spoon: A serving spoon helps in adding the garnishes like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips to the chili.
Tongs: Tongs can be used to handle the pork tenderloin while cooking.
Timer: A timer ensures that you cook the pork for the correct amount of time and simmer the chili properly.
Storing and Freezing Green Enchilada Pork Chili
Let the green enchilada pork chili cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the chili.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the chili, consider portioning it into individual serving sizes for convenience. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen meals. Green enchilada pork chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to enjoy the frozen chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if the chili seems too thick after thawing.
Garnish the reheated chili with fresh toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Chili
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chili to a pot or saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chili is heated through and reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the consistency of the chili by adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover green enchilada pork chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chili is heated through. Be careful when removing the cover, as steam may escape and cause burns.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover chili to a slow cooker. Cover and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the chili is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover chili and want to keep it warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir the chili occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is suitable if you are reheating a large batch of chili and prefer a hands-off approach.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the green enchilada pork chili thoroughly to ensure even heat distribution. Also, make sure the chili reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to prevent foodborne illness. Once heated, garnish the chili with fresh toppings like sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro for a refreshed taste and texture.
Random Fact About Green Enchilada Pork Chili
A unique aspect of this green enchilada pork chili recipe is the use of Italian dressing as a cooking base for the pork tenderloin. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the green salsa and pinto beans, creating a fusion of flavors that is both unexpected and delicious.
Is Making Pork Chili at Home Economical?
This green enchilada pork chili recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing pork tenderloin and pantry staples like pinto beans, green salsa, and chicken broth, it maximizes flavor without breaking the bank. The garnishes like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips add a delightful touch without significantly increasing costs. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This green enchilada pork chili recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, it includes:
- Pork tenderloin, a lean protein source
- Beans, which provide fiber and nutrients
- Green salsa, offering flavor without excessive calories
- Chicken broth, a lower-fat alternative to cream-based soups
- Corn, contributing fiber and vitamins
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- Italian dressing, which may be high in sodium and added sugars
- Sour cream and cheese as garnishes, adding saturated fat and calories
To make this chili healthier, consider these adjustments:
- Replace the Italian dressing with a homemade marinade using olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices
- Opt for low-sodium beans and chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-rich, lower-fat garnish
- Choose reduced-fat cheese or sprinkle a smaller amount of regular cheese
- Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal
By making these simple changes, you can transform this chili into a healthier, more nutrient-dense dish without sacrificing flavor. Remember, small tweaks can make a big difference in the overall nutritional value of a meal.
Editor's Thoughts on Green Enchilada Pork Chili
This green enchilada pork chili recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The Italian dressing adds a unique tang, complementing the tender pork. The combination of pinto beans, green salsa, and chicken broth creates a rich, hearty base. The addition of corn provides a sweet crunch, balancing the savory elements. Garnishing with sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro not only enhances the presentation but also adds layers of texture and flavor. Overall, it's a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Green Enchilada Pork Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Green Enchilada Pork Chili Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork tenderloin with the zesty kick of green salsa, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. The use of pinto beans and chicken broth ensures a robust and savory base, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. Garnished with sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips, this chili is both comforting and delicious. Trust this recipe for its balanced blend of spices and textures, perfect for a cozy meal.
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