Chile Colorado

dried red chiles

🥗Healthier: fresh red bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned tomato sauce

Fresh bell peppers can provide a similar sweetness and color, while canned tomato sauce is often less expensive.

beef

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: pork

Lean turkey offers a lower-fat option, while pork can be a more budget-friendly meat choice.

Cut the meat into large stewing pieces about 1 to 2 inches across. Salt well and set aside.

Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles, tear them into pieces and put into a large bowl. Pour boiling water over them and cover. Let this stand until the chiles are rehydrated, about 30 minutes. Once the chiles are soft, put them in a blender with enough of the chile soaking water to make a puree the consistency of ketchup. If you want -- and I recommend this -- push the sauce through a fine-meshed strainer (into another bowl) to remove any stray seeds or bits of skin.

In a heavy, lidded pot or Dutch oven, heat the lard over medium-high heat. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel and brown it well. Do this in batches and take your time. Remove the meat as it browns and set aside.

Add the onions to the pot and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown on the edges. Add the garlic and cook another minute. Return the meat to the pot and mix in all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the meat is tender.

Serve with tortillas or over rice, garnished with queso seco, cilantro, maybe some raw onion, avocado and hot sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary