Sunday, September 11, 2011

Roasted Tomatillo Chile Verde

2 lbs tomatillos
7 garlic cloves, separated but with skin intact

2 jalapenos, seeded & diced
1 serrano chile, seeded & chopped

2 TBS olive oil
1 1/2 lbs lean pork, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 TBS fresh oregano, torn into small pieces
1-1/2 c. organic chicken stock
1/2 tsp cumin
sea salt to taste

1 lb small red potatoes, cut into 1/2 pieces

Preheat broiler. Line a large baking sheet with foil.

Remove papery husks from tomatillos and rinse well. Cut in half and place cut side down on foil-lined baking sheet. Toss unpeeled garlic cloves randomly among tomatillos. Place baking sheet under broiler for about 6-8 minutes until the tomatillo skins are lightly blackened & garlic is fragrant. Remove from oven; set aside until cool enough to handle.

Remove the roasted garlic cloves from their skins by cutting off stem end & gently squeezing clove out of paper. Place skinned garlic, tomatillos (skins intact) & peppers in large food processor bowl. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped & blended into a smooth sauce.

Heat olive oil in 4 qt Dutch oven or other large saucepan; add pork & brown well on all sides. Add the onion & garlic & cook until onion is translucent. Sprinkle generously with sea salt. Pour in tomatillo sauce & stir to blend. Add chicken stock, oregano & cumin, stir until thoroughly blended. Bring mixture to a simmer; cover & reduce heat. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Stir in potatoes & cook 1/2 hour more or until potatoes are tender.

Serve with warmed tortillas & Mexican Rice.

Note: You could easily substitute cut up chicken breasts for the pork