Chile Verde Stew

This green chili stew has all the favorite Mexican flavors that we all have come to love. It’s zesty, bright, hearty and full of healthy greens. Here are the flavors makers that make this stew absolutely fabulous.

• Alliums: Onion, Garlic these are essential to any delicious food,
• Spices: Cumin, Mexican oregano, adds smokiness, if you can’t find Mexican oregano skip or use regular
• Heat: chillies baby! JALEPENO it is called Chile verde for a reason.
• Greens: kale, poblano for added nutritious
• Protein: chicken, white beans, crumbled for veg
• Flavor maker: Salsa verde, homemade or store bought, I used Trader Joe brand
• Chicken or veggie stock. another layer of umami flavor
• Fresh lime juice, cilantro to liven the soup
• Avocado it makes everything better

Chile Verde Stew SERVES 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon any neutral oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic minced
• 2 chicken breast, or 3 thighs
• 4-5 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1-14 oz can any white beans
• 1-16 oz jar Salsa verde, I used Trader Joes, but any good one works or use homemade
• 2 handfuls about 3 cups packed curly kale leaves
• 2 medium Poblano or 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• handful of chopped cilantro
• 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 4 oz can green chilis
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• sea salted cracked pepper as needed
• GARNISH
• sliced jalepeno, avocado, lime juice, green onions, hot sauce

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat the oil and sauté the onions, poblano and garlic for 5 minutes.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients, cumin, jalepeno, beans, salsa, green chillies, stock (except the lime juice, cilantro, kale and garnishes).
3. Bring the stew to a boil and drop it to a simmer.
4. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 
5. Pull the chicken pieces out and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks shred the chicken. Add the chicken back to the stew.
6. Add the kale and heat through. If you wish cook the stew for a couple of minutes to soften the kale.
7. Stir in lime juice and serve with avocado, cilantro and hot sauce if desired.