Green Chile Stew with Hatch Hot & Homemade Tortillas

🥘 A Stew that Tells a Story

Some meals warm more than just your body—they warm your soul. Green Chile Stew with Hatch Hot and Homemade Tortillas is one of those dishes. With its slow-simmered pork, fire-roasted Hatch green chiles, and fluffy homemade tortillas, this stew wraps flavor, tradition, and comfort into one delicious pot.

Rooted in New Mexican culinary tradition, this dish celebrates the unique heat and smokiness of Hatch chiles and turns simple, humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Pair it with fresh, hot tortillas and you have a meal that’s hearty, bold, and unforgettable.

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🔥 What Makes Hatch Chiles So Special?

Hatch chiles are cultivated in the fertile Hatch Valley of New Mexico and are celebrated for their distinct smoky heat, earthy depth, and seasonal rarity. Their flavor intensifies when roasted, and they lend themselves beautifully to stews, sauces, and salsas.

In this recipe, they take center stage—roasted, chopped, and simmered to perfection with tender pork and creamy potatoes.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs pork butt or shoulder roast, cubed
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons shortening or lard
• 2 large onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups Hatch green chiles, roasted and coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 2–3 cups chicken stock (or water)
• 3 cups potatoes, diced

For the Homemade Tortillas:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Green Chile Stew With Hatch and Homemade Tortillas

This recipe is built in layers — each step deepens the flavor and builds that signature, cozy richness.

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🔪 Step 1: Dredge and Brown the Pork

• Toss the pork cubes in flour to coat them lightly.
• In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the shortening or lard over medium heat.
• Brown the pork in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

✅ Why it matters: Browning seals in juices and adds deep, savory flavor to your stew base.

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🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Onions

• In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
• Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.

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🌶️ Step 3: Add Everything but the Potatoes

• Return pork to the pot.
• Stir in garlic powder, salt, green chiles, jalapeños, and tomatoes (if using).
• Pour in enough chicken stock or water to just cover the meat.
• Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

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🥔 Step 4: Add the Potatoes

• Stir in the diced potatoes and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• The starch from the potatoes helps thicken the stew slightly.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Fresh homemade tortillas (see recipe below)
• Garnish with queso fresco, cilantro, diced onion, or sour cream
• Add a wedge of lime or side of pickled red onions for extra brightness

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🫓 Quick Homemade Tortillas

So simple, so satisfying. These tortillas are soft, chewy, and the perfect vessel for soaking up stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening

Method:

1. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add lard and mix until crumbly.
3. Slowly add warm water and knead until a soft dough forms.
4. Let rest for 30 minutes, covered.
5. Divide into small balls and roll each flat.
6. Cook on a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, until light brown spots form.

✅ Pro tip: Keep tortillas warm in a towel-lined basket or tortilla warmer.

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💡 Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Bold flavor: Roasted Hatch chiles add complex, smoky heat.
• Rustic charm: The kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Versatile: Swap proteins, add beans, or make it vegetarian.
• Better the next day: The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge.

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🔄 Variations

• Chicken Stew: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of pork.
• Veggie Style: Add pinto beans, roasted corn, or zucchini for a meatless option.
• Extra kick: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for more heat.
• Pozole vibe: Swap out potatoes for hominy for a pozole-style twist.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without potatoes for up to 3 months (potatoes can become mealy).
• Reheat: Simmer gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Green Chile Stew With Hatch Hot and Homemade Tortillas isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory in the making. Every bite speaks of warmth, flavor, and the tradition of gathering around the table. Whether you're honoring chile season or simply craving comfort, this dish is a bold and beautiful celebration of home cooking.

Serve it hot, with love, and plenty of tortillas.