2cupsroasted Hatch green chilieschopped (mild or medium)
1can14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
4cupschicken brothlow sodium preferred
1tspdried oregano
1tspground cumin
1/2tspsaltadjust to taste
1/4tspblack pepper
1/4cupall-purpose flour
1/2cupcold 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.