Chili Verde
1 1/2 lb tomatillos, husked
4 lb. pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of fat and cut into 2 inch cubes
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
all-purpose flour for dusting
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 yellow onions, cut into 1 inch squares
2 fresh Anaheim or poblano chili peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1 inch squares
2 fresh jalapeno chili peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
2 green bell peppers, seeded, deribbed and cut into 1 inch squares
3 cloves garlic cloves ,finely minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano crumbled
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed and soaked in water to cover for 15 minutes, then drained
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
4 cups chicken stock
Preheat broiler. Place the tomatillos in a shallow pan and place in the broiler about 2 inches from the heat source. Roast, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the broiler and when cool enough to handle, core and chop the tomatillos . Set aside.
Sprinkle the pork on all sides with salt and black pepper. Spread some of the flour on a plate and dust the pork with the flour to coat evenly, tapping off any excess. In a heavy- bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Working in small batches, add the pork cubes and brown well on all sides, 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a large soup pt.
Discard any fat remaining in the frying pan and place pan over medium heat. Add the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add all of the chilies and bell peppers and saute until fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes longer.
Transfer the sauteed onions and peppers to the soup pot. Add the chopped tomatillos, oregano, cumin, coriander seeds, bay leaves, cilantro and chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to low simmer gently, uncovered, until pork is tender when pierced with a fork, 2-3 hours.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serves 6-8
Optional: Quartered red potatoes may be added to the stew when tomatillos are added , if desired.