Pork chili verde is a delicious Mexican stew made with tomatillos, pork and green chiles. It has a nice balance of spicy, savory and tangy flavors. Chili verde is often served as a main course, but what are some good side dishes and other foods that pair well with it? Here are some ideas for what to serve with pork chili verde.
What goes well with chili verde?
Chili verde is a very versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some options to consider:
Rice
A simple side of rice is one of the most classic accompaniments for chili verde. The mild flavor of rice balances out the strong spices in the stew. Spanish rice seasoned with tomatoes, garlic and onions is an especially good match. Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice also make tasty pairings.
Beans
Beans are another traditional pairing for chili verde. Pinto beans, black beans or refried beans can all complement the pork stew nicely. The beans add protein and fiber to help make the meal more hearty and filling.
Tortillas
Warm corn or flour tortillas go perfectly with chili verde. Use the tortillas to make tacos or burritos filled with the pork chili, or serve them on the side for dipping and scooping. The tortillas add comforting carbohydrates and allow you to enjoy the flavors of the stew in a hands-on way.
Quesadillas
For an easy cheesy side, make quesadillas with melted cheese stuffed into flour or corn tortillas. The rich, gooey quesadillas are great for dipping into the sauce of the chili. You can also put some of the pork chili verde into the quesadillas for added flavor.
Guacamole
The cool, creamy consistency of guacamole balances out the spicy chili verde perfectly. Fresh guacamole with avocado, lime juice, cilantro and diced tomatoes makes an appetizing dip for tortilla chips. Guacamole also tastes amazing when used as a topping for tacos filled with the pork stew.
Salsa
A tomatillo or green salsa is right at home when served with chili verde. The similar green chile flavors complement each other beautifully. You can’t go wrong with fresh pico de gallo salsa either. The salsa adds a crunchy, vibrant topping for any chili verde dish.
Salad
A light salad is a nice way to balance out the heartiness of the pork stew. A crispy greens salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the rich flavors. For a Mexican-style salad, include ingredients like corn, black beans, avocado, cilantro and pepitas.
Pickled Vegetables
Quick pickled onions, radishes or jalapeños can provide tart, crunchy contrast to the chili verde. They also help cut through the richness of the pork. You can pickle sliced veggies in a mix of vinegar, water, salt and sugar.
Full meal ideas
In addition to individual side dishes, here are some full meal ideas that incorporate pork chili verde:
Burrito bowls
Burrito bowls are a delicious meal featuring all of your favorite burrito fillings in a bowl without the tortilla wrap. Fill a bowl with cilantro lime rice, black beans, the pork chili verde, shredded cheese, sliced avocado and salsa. You get all the great flavors of a burrito in an easy, portable meal.
Enchiladas
Make baked enchiladas by stuffing corn tortillas with the chili verde and Monterey jack cheese, then smothering them with enchilada sauce and baking. Serve with Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete Mexican feast.
Tostadas
For fun handheld bites, top crispy tostada shells with chili verde, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado, cotija cheese and crema. The tostada shells provide crunchy contrast to the stew for a tasty meal.
Chips and dip
For a casual appetizer or snack, serve the pork chili verde as a dip with tortilla chips for scooping. You can also pair it with guacamole and salsa. The chips and dips make an easy chili verde-themed party menu.
Tacos
Tacos are a no-brainer pairing for chili verde. Fill soft corn tortillas with the pork stew and add toppings like onions, cilantro, queso fresco and lime wedges. Hard shell beef tacos also pair well with chili verde if you want some variety.
Tamales
For an impressive holiday meal, serve pork chili verde with homemade tamales wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. The hearty tamales and rich chili verde make a celebratory and comforting combination.
Sandwiches
Ladle chili verde onto crusty sandwich rolls or baguettes for a delicious, messy sandwich. Top with ingredients like pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, tomato and avocado. Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side.
Breakfast
Chili verde makes a great addition to a hearty breakfast. Use it as a smothering sauce over huevos rancheros, chilaquiles or breakfast tacos. The spicy pork stew helps wake up your taste buds first thing in the morning.
Baked potatoes
For an easy meal, top baked russet potatoes with chili verde and favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions and bacon bits. The loaded baked potatoes make a comforting dinner using the chili verde as a sauce.
Pizza
If you want a fun fusion meal, top homemade or store-bought pizza crusts with chili verde, shredded pork, cheese, sliced jalapeños and cilantro. The Mexican flavors give a unique twist to classic pizza night.
Egg rolls
For an appetizer, wrap chili verde and cheese up in wonton wrappers to make fried chili verde egg rolls. Serve them with avocado dipping sauce for an Asian-Mexican fusion bite.
Nachos
No Mexican meal is complete without nachos! Layer tortilla chips with chili verde, beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and all your favorite nacho toppings. The chili verde makes the nachos extra hearty and delicious.
Quesadillas
Grilled quesadillas are easy to make and pair perfectly with chili verde. Fill flour tortillas with cheese and slices of the stewed pork, then grill the quesadillas until the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole and lime wedges.
Soup
Thin down the chili verde with some chicken broth to turn it into a tasty green pork chile soup. Garnish bowls of the soup with crunchy fried tortilla strips, grated cheese, avocado and cilantro. The soup makes a comforting first course.
Desserts
End your chili verde dinner on a sweet note with one of these delicious desserts:
| Dessert | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Churros | Fried dough coated in cinnamon and sugar |
| Sopapillas | Fried puff pastries with honey |
| Flan | Silky caramel custard |
| Tres leches cake | Sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk |
| Mexican hot chocolate | Rich chocolate drink with spices |
Churros
These fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon and sugar make an irresistible dessert with chili verde. The churros provide a sweet, crunchy contrast to the rich stew.
Sopapillas
Sopapillas are puffy fried pastries that are like the Mexican version of beignets. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with honey for a sweet finish to your chili verde meal.
Flan
Flan is a classic creamy, rich custard with a layer of sweet caramel sauce. It’s a perfect light dessert after a hearty chili verde dish. The sweet and silky flan balances the spicy meal.
Tres leches cake
This Mexican cake is made of sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream. It’s moist and sweet, often topped with meringue or whipped cream. Tres leches is a great way to cap off a chili verde dinner.
Mexican hot chocolate
Warm up with a rich cup of hot chocolate made with cinnamon, vanilla and sometimes chili powder for a kick. The spicy, chocolatey drink complements the flavors of chili verde wonderfully. Top it off with whipped cream.
Cocktails
A festive cocktail can round out your chili verde meal nicely. Here are some cocktail ideas to pair with pork chili verde:
Margarita
A margarita is the classic Mexican cocktail made with tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. Sip a tangy margarita to help cut through the richness of the chili verde. Try an avocado margarita for a fun, creamy twist.
Michelada
For a spicy cocktail, mix beer with tomato juice, lime juice and chili sauce to make a michelada. The blend of flavors perfectly complements a chili verde meal. Rim the glass with chili powder or salt for a fun presentation.
Paloma
A refreshing paloma cocktail is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice and a pinch of salt. The bubbly, citrusy drink cleanses your palate after all the rich stewed pork flavors.
Pineapple jalapeño margarita
For a unique margarita, add fresh jalapeño slices and pineapple juice. The sweet and spicy flavors pair wonderfully with the chili verde. The pineapple provides a tropical twist.
Mexican mule
Swap vodka for tequila and ginger beer for a Mexican version of a Moscow mule. The spicy ginger beer helps intensify and complement the chili verde’s kick.
Sangria
Red or white sangria with diced fruit is a refreshing choice. The wine-based sangria helps cut through the richer flavors of the chili verde beautifully. Garnish your glass with an orange slice.
Mexican martini
Shake up a martini with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice for a strong cocktail to pair with your meal. The tart citrus flavors balance the rich pork perfectly. Rim your glass with salt for flavor.
Non-alcoholic beverages
If you prefer an alcohol-free option, these drinks also pair nicely with pork chili verde:
Horchata
Horchata is a sweet, milky drink made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla and almonds. The creamy beverage balances spicy chili verde wonderfully.
Jamaica
Jamaica, also called hibiscus tea, is a tart, bright red tea made from dried hibiscus flowers. Its tangy flavor provides contrast to the rich stew.
Mexican Coke
Enjoy a Coca-cola made with real cane sugar for a stronger caramel flavor that stands up to the chili verde. The bubbly cola also helps cleanse your palate.
Fruit juice
Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit or lime add bright acidity to balance out the hearty stew. Mango, pineapple or guava juices also pair well with their tropical fruit flavors.
Agua Fresca
Refreshing agua fresca is made from fresh fruit, water and sugar. Flavors like strawberry, watermelon and honeydew complement chili verde. The sweet fruity drinks offset spice.
Mexican hot chocolate
Warm up with cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate made from cocoa, milk and sugar. The chocolate’s subtle sweetness and spice complements chili verde wonderfully.
Conclusion
Pork chili verde makes a delicious main dish, but when served alone it can be heavy. Adding sides like rice, beans, tortillas, guacamole and salsa helps provide color, flavor contrast and texture to balance the stew. Full meal ideas like enchiladas, tacos, nachos and burrito bowls incorporate chili verde in creative, appetizing combinations. End your meal on a sweet note with churros, flan or Mexican hot chocolate. Sip a refreshing margarita, sangria or horchata to drink. With the right sides and beverages, chili verde can be turned into a varied, well-rounded meal.