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La Loma Green Chili Recipe

La Loma Green Chili Recipe

John
If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food, you have found it. This La Loma Green Chili Recipe is a true Colorado classic.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into small 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large white onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups roasted Hatch green chilies chopped (mild or medium)
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions
 

Brown the Pork

  • Heat the oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes in batches. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides. This browning creates a very deep flavor for the base.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot with the pork drippings. Cook for five minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

Add the Spices

  • Sprinkle the dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat everything. Toasting the spices for a minute makes them smell absolutely wonderful in your kitchen.

Pour in Liquids

  • Pour the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes into the pot. Use your wooden spoon to scrape the bottom. This releases all the tasty brown bits into the liquid for better flavor.

Stir in Chilies

  • Add your chopped roasted green chilies to the pot. Stir them in thoroughly. If you like more heat, you can add a few chopped jalapeños now. Let the mixture reach a gentle simmer.

Slow Simmering

  • Turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 60 to 75 minutes. The pork should become very tender and easy to bite through.

Prepare the Slurry

  • In a small bowl, whisk the flour and cold water together. Make sure there are no lumps left. This mixture is called a slurry. It will help thicken your chili to the perfect consistency.

Thicken the Chili

  • Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering pot while stirring constantly. Let it cook for another 10 minutes without a lid. You will see the sauce turn thick, glossy, and very rich.

Final Seasoning Check

  • Taste your green chili carefully. Add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. If it is too thick, add a splash of broth. Your homemade La Loma style chili is ready!

Notes

  • Choose the Right Chili: Use authentic Hatch green chilies if possible. They provide the best flavor profile.
  • Pork Quality: Use pork shoulder or "butt." It has enough fat to stay juicy during the long simmering process.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the pork for extra beans or potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Roast Your Own: If using fresh chilies, roast them until the skin chars. Peel off the burnt skin before chopping.
  • Control the Heat: Remove the seeds from the chilies for a milder version. Keep them for a spicy kick.
  • Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together perfectly.
Keyword La Loma Green Chili Recipe