Every Sunday we like to try new things that we have tried at our favorite restaurants. We have the privilege to have our “guest chef”, my son Zac, that give us the opportunity to try dishes we would never think about, because he loves so many diverse foods.

 

 

📜 CHILE COLORADO PORK RECIPE

🌶 Ingredients

• 5 dried New Mexican chiles
• 4 dried chiles de árbol
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1–1½ inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1–1½ cups beef broth
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon cumin

 

🍽 Directions

1. Prep the Chiles

• Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
• Remove stems + seeds from all chiles.
• Cut into small pieces.
• Place in a bowl and cover with boiling water.
• Cover and let soften 30 minutes.

2. Make the Chile Purée

• Transfer softened chiles to a blender.
• Add ¾ cup soaking water.
• Blend 1–2 minutes until smooth.
• Set aside.

3. Brown the Pork

• Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat.
• Season pork generously with salt + pepper.
• Brown on all sides (work in batches if needed).
• Add more oil if the pot gets dry.

4. Simmer the Pork

• Return all pork to the pot.
• Add enough beef broth to barely cover the meat.
• Cover and simmer 30 minutes.

5. Add the Flavor Bomb

• Add chile purée, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well.
• Cover and simmer 1 hour, until pork is fall‑apart tender.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you like your chile sauce silky smooth or slightly rustic?

🔢 CALORIE COUNT (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Sugar: 2g

💡 Note: Calories don’t count when eaten with warm tortillas straight from the pan.

🌶 NUTRITIONAL FACTS & FUN

• New Mexican chiles: Earthy + smoky
• Chiles de árbol: Heat + brightness
• Ancho chiles: Sweet + deep flavor
• Pork shoulder: Tender, juicy perfection
• Oregano + cumin: Classic Mexican aromatics

💬 Reader prompt: Should we try a green chile version next?

👩‍🍳 COOKING TIPS

• Extra smooth sauce: Strain the chile purée.
• Extra spicy: Add more chiles de árbol.
• Extra mild: Use fewer árbol chiles.
• Extra rich: Add a splash of tomato sauce.
• Perfect texture: Simmer low and slow — don’t rush it.

🔄 RECIPE VARIATIONS

🌮 Chile Colorado Tacos

Serve in tortillas with onion + cilantro.

🍚 Chile Colorado Rice Bowls

Serve over Spanish rice.

🧀 Cheesy Chile Colorado Bake

Top with cheese and broil.

🥔 Chile Colorado Stew

Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes.

🌯 Chile Colorado Burritos

Wrap with beans + rice.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version should we feature next week?

🧒 KID TIPS

• Reduce árbol chiles for a milder version.
• Serve with rice to balance heat.
• Add cheese — kids love cheese.
• Offer tortillas for dipping.

🛒 GROCERY HACKS

• Dried chiles: Usually cheapest in the Hispanic aisle.
• Pork shoulder: Buy in bulk and freeze.
• Beef broth: Store brands work great.
• Mexican oregano: Different from Italian — worth buying.
• Chiles: Keep extras in the freezer.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you a “Mexican market queen” or a “grab it at Walmart” shopper?

🎯 READER CHALLENGE

This week’s challenge: Make this Chile Colorado Pork, snap a pic, and share it with #LouLouGirlsChileMagic. Bonus points if your sauce looks glossy enough to star in its own cooking show.

🍽 LEFTOVER REMIX

• Chile Colorado Nachos: Add cheese + broil.
• Chile Colorado Quesadillas: Add cheese + grill.
• Chile Colorado Enchiladas: Roll in tortillas + bake.
• Chile Colorado Soup: Add broth + simmer.
• Chile Colorado Breakfast Hash: Add potatoes + eggs.

💬 Reader prompt: Which leftover remix should we test next?

💭 FINAL THOUGHTS

This Chile Colorado Pork is everything you want in a comforting, flavor‑packed dish: smoky, spicy, tender, nostalgic, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks conversation, and makes everyone feel like they’re part of the fun.

It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, impressive enough for a gathering, and joyful enough for those “I need something delicious immediately” days.