Quick Pork Chile Verde Rice Bowls
Sale pork shoulder becomes a fast, tender chile verde when cut small and simmered with tomatillos, poblano, cilantro, and garlic. Cabbage-radish slaw keeps it bright and springy for early May in Washington.
Ingredients
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Pork Shoulder Boneless Boston Butt Roast12 oz, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2.49
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Fresh Tomatillo10 oz, husked, rinsed, and quartered 2.99
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Fresh Poblano Peppers1 medium, seeded and chopped 3.99
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Kroger® Yellow Onion 3 lb Bag1/2 medium onion, chopped 3.99
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Kroger® Whole Garlic Bulbs3 cloves, minced 2.49
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Organic Cilantro1/3 cup chopped, divided 2.50
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Green Cabbage2 cups thinly shredded 1.49
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Kroger® Radishes4 radishes, thinly sliced 1.99
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Mahatma Extra Long Grain White Rice, Uncooked Rice1/2 cup dry rice 13.99
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Fresh Organic Limes - Each1 lime, juiced 1.50
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Neutral oil1 tablespoon
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Dried oregano1/2 teaspoon
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Chicken broth or water1 cup
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Salt and black pepperto taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: trim 12 oz pork shoulder and cut into 3/4-inch cubes, quarter 10 oz tomatillos, seed and chop 1 poblano, chop 1/2 onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, shred 2 cups cabbage, slice 4 radishes, chop 1/3 cup cilantro, and juice 1 lime.
- Start the rice by combining 1/2 cup dry white rice, 1 cup water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15–18 minutes. Let stand covered until serving.
- Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a medium Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper, then brown for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped onion and poblano. Cook 3 minutes until the onion softens, then stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon oregano for 30 seconds.
- Add the quartered tomatillos, 1 cup chicken broth or water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the tomatillos have collapsed.
- While the pork simmers, toss the shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, half the cilantro, half the lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Let it lightly pickle for at least 10 minutes.
- Uncover the pork and simmer 3–5 minutes more if the sauce needs to thicken. Stir in the remaining cilantro and remaining lime juice, then taste for salt and pepper.
- Fluff the rice and divide it between two bowls. Spoon the pork chile verde over the rice and pile the cabbage-radish slaw alongside for a crisp finish.
Cook time: 55 minutes
Estimated cost: About $12–15 using listed ingredients; pantry items not priced
Health notes: About 650 calories per serving. Protein-rich and satisfying, with fiber from cabbage, radishes, tomatillos, and rice; trim excess pork fat for a lighter bowl.
Drink pairing: A juicy, low-tannin red works with the pork and mild green chile heat; beer or sparkling water with lime is also excellent here.