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There is nothing quite as comforting as a chili verde burrito stuffed with tender pork and generously drenched in smoky Hatch green chile sauce This recipe always signals a celebration in my home from casual family dinners to festive gatherings and the flavors linger long after the plates are cleared
I still remember the first time I tried using real Hatch chiles after a trip to New Mexico The result was so good my family ate three burritos each and requested it again the next weekend
Ingredients
- Pork loin: pick one with a little marbling for melt in your mouth burritos
- Hatch green chiles: fresh roasted for true depth but good quality canned chiles are a fine option
- Fresh cilantro: choose bunches with sturdy fragrant leaves for the best herbal bite
- Garlic: buy fresh bulbs and mince for unbeatable flavor
- Salt: choose a fine sea salt as it seasons the pork fully
- Ancho chili seasoning: check your spice aisle for a fresh pouch that smells smoky and deep
- Large flour tortillas: burrito size are best as they hold lots of filling and roll without tearing
- Toppings: sour cream adds coolness shredded cheese for richness diced onion for crunch and extra cilantro for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Green Chile Sauce:
- Combine all Hatch green chiles cilantro garlic salt and ancho chili seasoning in a blender Puree until you get a smooth vibrant sauce that smells spicy and fresh
- Slow Cook the Pork:
- Nestle the pork loin into your slow cooker and pour the blended chile sauce right over it Put the lid on and set to cook low for eight hours The pork will relax become tender and soak up all the spicy flavor When it is done use two forks to shred the pork directly in the sauce tossing so every piece has plenty of juice
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Warm up your big soft flour tortillas on a dry skillet or pop them in the microwave until nicely flexible Lay one out and spoon on a big helping of the chile verde pork
- Add Toppings and Finish:
- Pile on sour cream for creaminess a sprinkle of shredded cheese some diced onion and a handful of fresh cilantro Roll up by folding in the sides then rolling from the bottom up into a neat burrito
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Of all the ingredients I cannot get enough of fresh Hatch green chiles Every fall I stock up when they are in season They fill the kitchen with an unmistakable roasted aroma that always means something special is cooking My kids love to help roll the burritos and sneak bits of cheese as we work
Storage Tips
Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The shredded pork freezes beautifully Simply thaw and reheat in a saucepan or microwave before assembling fresh burritos Leftover assembled burritos can be wrapped in foil and reheated at 350 degrees for about ten minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Hatch chiles try Anaheim or poblano peppers roasted and peeled For a slightly different note use pork shoulder instead of loin but trim some fat before cooking You can swap queso fresco or Monterey Jack for shredded cheese depending on what you love
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple tomato avocado salad or rice and beans for a hearty meal For brunch burritos add scrambled eggs The pork filling is also fantastic in quesadillas tacos or over tortilla chips for nachos
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Cultural and Historical Context
Chili verde burritos are a beloved staple in Mexican and New Mexican cuisine Hatch chiles are prized for their smoky slightly sweet flavor and are only grown in one region of New Mexico Their arrival at markets marks the end of summer and home cooks look forward to making all kinds of chile dishes with their prized flavor
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cut of pork works best for these burritos?
Pork loin is an excellent choice due to its tenderness after slow cooking, but pork shoulder can also be used for a richer flavor.
- → Can I use canned green chiles if fresh Hatch chiles aren't available?
Yes, canned Hatch green chiles offer great flavor and are a convenient substitute when fresh ones are out of season.
- → How can I make the chile sauce spicier?
For extra heat, add more ancho chili seasoning or include fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers when blending the sauce.
- → Are there toppings that pair especially well with these burritos?
Classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions, and cilantro complement the flavors beautifully.
- → Can the pork filling be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely. The pork can be slow-cooked and refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for convenient meal prep.