Santiago’s Green Chili Recipe

Santiago’s green chili recipe is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a condiment to other delicious meals.

If you’re looking to spice up your meals with a genuinely authentic and delicious green chili sauce, you can’t go wrong with Santiago’s green chili recipe.

Combining diced pork, jalapeños, and green chilies, this recipe is prepared to be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

How To Make Santiago’s Green Chili

Ingredients List

To make Santiago’s Green Chili, you will need the following ingredients:

• Green chilies (around 3 cups of chopped green chilies or a mix of mild and hot chilies)
• 1 cup of lard
• 2 lbs of pork shoulder, diced
• 4 pressed cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of finely chopped onions
• 1 1/2 tbsp of ground dry mustard powder
• 1 tsp of black pepper
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp of dried sage
• 1/4 tsp of ground cumin
• 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 6 oz of tomato paste
• 3 cans of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon

Step-by-step Process

Step 1:

In a large cast iron skillet, heat the lard over medium heat.

Once the lard is melted and hot, add the diced pork shoulder to the skillet.

Cook the pork for approximately 10-15 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Step 2:

While the pork is cooking, chop your green chilies and set aside.

Combine garlic, onions, mustard powder, black pepper, oregano, sage, and ground cumin in a food processor or blender.

Pulse the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 3:

Add the spice paste to the skillet with the browned pork, and cook together for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 4:

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth into the skillet.

Stir well to combine with the pork and spice blend.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5:

Add the chopped green chilies and the chicken bouillon to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the green chili sauce has thickened.

Step 6:

Taste the green chili and adjust the seasonings as necessary.

Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, Santiago’s Green Chili is ready to enjoy.

Side Dishes For Santiago’s Green Chili

When enjoying Santiago’s Green Chili, you might want to pair it with some delicious and well-matched side dishes.

Here are some options to consider that complement the flavors and textures of the green chili:

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are an excellent side dish for Santiago’s Green Chili.

The crispy, crunchy texture of the chips contrasts nicely with the rich, flavorful green chili.

You can use them as a scoop to enjoy mouthfuls of chili or simply place a few chips on your plate and spoon the chili on top.

The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful culinary experience.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a classic accompaniment to many spicy dishes and can be a welcome addition to Santiago’s Green Chili.

A small dollop of sour cream on the side or gently swirled into the chili can help to cool down the heat of the dish and provide a soothing contrast to the bold flavors.

Enjoy mixing the sour cream with the chili as you eat or simply dipping your tortilla chips into it for a creamy, cool sensation.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Santiago’s green chili recipe, you may need to adjust the ingredients.

Here are some substitutes that can be used for key ingredients in the recipe.

Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes

If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a substitute.

Use 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for every tablespoon of tomato paste.

This will give a similar consistency and flavor to your dish.

White Pepper

In the absence of black pepper, you can use white pepper as an alternative.

White pepper has a slightly milder flavor, so you may need to adjust the quantity according to taste.

Start with half the amount of black pepper and add more if necessary.

Vegetable oil or Shortening

If you prefer not to use lard, or if it’s unavailable, you can replace it with vegetable oil or shortening.

Use an equal amount of vegetable oil or shortening to substitute for the lard in the recipe.

The overall flavor of the dish may be slightly different, but the consistency should be similar.

How To Store Santiago’s Green Chili

Storing Santiago’s green chili properly is essential for maintaining its freshness and flavor.

Here are some effective ways to store this delicious recipe.

Refrigerating Method

You can store your cooked Santiago’s green chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ensure that the container is sealed properly to avoid any potential contamination and to keep the chili fresh.

It should stay good for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing Method

To store Santiago’s green chili for a longer period, you can freeze it.

Once your chili cools down, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or use heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap it.

Label the container with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer.

This method can help you retain its quality for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the chili again, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat slowly in a pot or the microwave.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Over-processing the ingredients

Over-processing the ingredients in a food processor can lead to a mushy texture in your Santiago’s green chili.

To keep the dish’s texture and integrity, only process until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.

Incorrect cooking time and temperature

One of the keys to perfecting Santiago’s green chili is to cook it on medium-low heat for the appropriate amount of time – around 15-20 minutes.

Cooking on medium-high heat may cause the chili to burn or cook unevenly.

Not using the right spices

Skipping tbsp ground dry mustard and other Mexican ingredients like corn masa can be detrimental to the authenticity of the taste.

Make sure to use the right spices and ingredients for the best flavor.