Authentic New Mexican Red Pork Chili: A Hearty Slow Cooker Recipe
Experience the rich, deeply savory flavors of the Southwest with this Authentic New Mexican Red Pork Chili. Tender, succulent chunks of pork slow-cooked to perfection are bathed in a vibrant, complex chili sauce, promising a soul-satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
There’s an undeniable comfort in a warm, hearty bowl of chili, especially when the temperatures drop. This New Mexican Red Pork Chili isn’t just delicious; it’s an invitation to a culinary journey, delivering robust flavors that transport you straight to the Land of Enchantment. Serve it alongside some crusty French Bread, fluffy Corn Muffins, or warm tortillas for a truly perfect cold-weather dinner.
A Taste of Home: My New Mexico Roots and Culinary Inspiration
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve officially been away from New Mexico for longer than I actually lived there. Growing up in a charming, small-ish town in the northwest corner of the state, my childhood was steeped in its unique culture and incredible cuisine, right up until I graduated from high school. While the years have certainly flown by since those days (and yes, I might be subtly hinting at my age!), my heart still holds a deep, nostalgic affection for New Mexico.
The culinary traditions of the state are something truly special, and they’ve left an indelible mark on my palate. I confess to having a profound weakness for the vibrant heat of green chiles, and the mere thought of indulging in Navajo Tacos still makes my knees a little weak. So, it’s no surprise that whenever I stumble upon a recipe that even whispers “New Mexico,” I’m compelled to give it more than just a passing glance. More often than not, it ends up on my stove or in my slow cooker, becoming a cherished addition to my recipe collection.
As we navigate the heart of winter, with its shorter days and often dreary skies, a dose of comforting food is precisely what’s needed. There’s nothing quite like a meal that warms you from the inside out, making everything feel a little brighter. And when you combine the ultimate comfort food experience with the distinct, robust flavors of New Mexican cuisine, you’ve undoubtedly got a winning combination!
This New Mexican Red Pork Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace that brings a little piece of home to my table. The slow-simmered pork, enveloped in its rich, deeply flavored red chili sauce, is incredibly satisfying. It’s been a little while since I last prepared this particular chili, but the memory of its aroma and taste is enough to get my mouth watering all over again. I’m already envisioning this delicious recipe gracing my menu several more times throughout these chilly winter months. It’s truly the perfect remedy for the winter doldrums.
The Magic of New Mexican Red Chili
What truly sets New Mexican Red Pork Chili apart is its distinctive chili base. Unlike many chilis that rely on a blend of various chili powders, an authentic New Mexican red chili sauce highlights the singular, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor of dried New Mexico red chiles. While this recipe uses a convenient chili powder blend for ease, understanding its roots in the regional chiles is key to appreciating its depth.
The magic happens as the pork slowly braises in this rich, aromatic sauce. The low and slow cooking method in a slow cooker allows the tough connective tissues in the pork to break down, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart meat that soaks up every nuanced flavor of the chili. The combination of tomato paste for umami depth, a touch of brown sugar for balance, and instant tapioca to naturally thicken the sauce creates a luxurious texture and an unforgettable taste experience.
More Comforting Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’re a chili enthusiast like me, there’s always room for another fantastic recipe. Here are some other favorites from my kitchen that I highly recommend:
- Classic Crock Pot Chili
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Hearty Ground Turkey and Bean Chili
- Flatlander Chili: A Robust Classic
- Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
Tips for the Perfect Red Pork Chili
Achieving the perfect New Mexican Red Pork Chili is simpler than you might think, especially with a slow cooker. Here are a few tips to elevate your dish:
- Quality Chili Powder: While this recipe uses general chili powder for accessibility, if you can find authentic New Mexico chili powder, it will significantly enhance the flavor profile, offering that true regional taste.
- Pork Cut: Boneless country-style pork ribs are excellent for their rich marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. Pork shoulder (butt) cut into 1-inch cubes also works beautifully.
- Browning the Pork (Optional but Recommended): For an even deeper flavor, quickly sear the pork cubes in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
- Taste and Adjust: Chili flavors deepen over time. Taste your chili towards the end of cooking and adjust salt, pepper, and even a touch more chili powder or brown sugar if needed. The lime juice added at the end is crucial for brightening the overall flavor.
- Don’t Skim Too Early: While skimming excess fat is important for a less greasy chili, wait until the end of cooking. Some fat is necessary during the long cook time to carry flavors and keep the pork moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond bread and muffins, consider serving this chili over a bed of fluffy rice, with warm corn tortillas, or even as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Storage and Reheating
This New Mexican Red Pork Chili is fantastic for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. If the chili is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
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New Mexican Red Pork Chili
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (preferably New Mexican chili powder for authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon instant tapioca (thickens the chili beautifully)
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 2 lbs boneless country-style pork ribs trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- Zest from 1/2 lime
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Additional cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, shredded cheese, or any other desired toppings, for serving
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a 3 1/2 to 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the tomato paste, chili powder, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor. Carefully transfer this aromatic chili mixture to the bottom of your prepared slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth, instant tapioca, and brown sugar over the top of the chili base.
- Season the trimmed pork ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Gently nestle the seasoned pork pieces into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Once the pork is cooked, use a large spoon or ladle to carefully skim off any excess fat that has risen to the surface of the chili. Using tongs or two forks, break up the tender pork ribs into bite-sized 1-inch pieces directly in the slow cooker. If the chili sauce appears too thick, you can add a bit of hot chicken stock, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the fresh cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. The lime adds a wonderful brightness and cuts through the richness of the chili.
- Serve the hot chili immediately, garnished with additional fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or any of your other favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese or diced avocado. Enjoy your authentic New Mexican Red Pork Chili!