Hearty New Mexico inspired dish that can be made vegetarian simply by omitting the pork. This can be labor intensive and will test your multi-tasking skills if already roasted chiles are not available.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 2 pounds roasted Anaheim or New Mexico chiles
- 4 serrano chile peppers, diced
- 1 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
- salt to taste
PREPARATION:
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork, garlic, onion, cumin and oregano. Cook and stir until pork is browned.
Cook and stir for a few more minutes, then pour in the vegetable broth. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Add the potato to the stew, and simmer for about 45 minutes. You can roast your chilies during this time, peel, seed chop and add to the stew along with the serrano peppers. If the stew becomes too dry, add a little water. When the potatoes are soft and the pork is tender, add the tomatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and serve.
Note:If roasted chiles are not available you will need to roast them yourself. A grill works best. Roast Anaheim or New Mexico chiles on grill till they are black on all sides. Place in a plastic bag in the freezer for ten minutes. This will make it easier to peel them. Rub the blackened peel off and rinse clean, then cut in half lengthwise, seed and chop.