Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

Posted on October 11, 2026

If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl of Southwestern comfort food, this Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo is the perfect recipe to bring to your dinner table. Made with tender chunks of pork shoulder, smoky roasted Hatch green chiles, hearty hominy, soft potatoes, garlic, and a flavorful broth, this homemade caldo is rich, satisfying, and packed with delicious New Mexico-inspired flavor.

There’s something special about the combination of slow-simmered pork and roasted green chiles. As the pork cooks, it becomes tender and juicy, while the Hatch chiles release their distinctive earthy, smoky flavor into the broth. The hominy adds a pleasant chewy texture, and the potatoes absorb the savory juices, making every spoonful comforting and filling.

Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this pork and green chile caldo features a flavorful broth that allows the ingredients to shine. Ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and coriander add warmth and depth, while fresh lime juice brightens the finished dish.

The result is a rustic, homemade pork stew with layers of savory flavor, mild sweetness from the roasted chiles, and just enough heat to make every bite interesting.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, cooking a large pot for weekend meal prep, or looking for a comforting soup to enjoy on a chilly evening, this Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo is a delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Serve it with warm corn tortillas, flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and lime wedges for a complete Southwestern-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

Rich roasted Hatch green chile flavor. Roasted Hatch chiles create a distinctive smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy broth.

Tender, slow-simmered pork. Pork shoulder becomes juicy and fork-tender during gentle cooking.

Hearty hominy. Hominy adds a pleasantly chewy texture and mild corn flavor that complements the pork.

Soft, flavorful potatoes. The potatoes absorb the savory broth and make the caldo more satisfying.

One-pot comfort food. Everything comes together in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot.

Customizable spice level. Use mild, medium, or hot Hatch green chiles depending on your preference.

Perfect for family dinners. This recipe makes approximately six to eight generous servings.

Great for leftovers. The flavors often become even more developed after a night in the refrigerator.

Naturally hearty and filling. Pork, hominy, and potatoes create a satisfying meal without needing cream or cheese.

Delicious with tortillas. Warm corn or flour tortillas are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

What Is Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo?

Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo is a hearty, broth-based pork stew inspired by the flavors of New Mexican and Southwestern cooking.

The word caldo means broth in Spanish and is commonly used to describe comforting soups and brothy dishes.

This version combines pork shoulder, roasted Hatch green chiles, hominy, potatoes, onions, garlic, and warm spices in a savory chicken broth.

The pork is browned first to develop flavor, then simmered until tender.

Roasted Hatch green chiles give the caldo its signature flavor, while hominy adds a mild corn taste and satisfying texture.

Potatoes are added toward the end of cooking so they become tender without falling apart.

The finished dish has a rich, lightly green-tinted broth filled with tender pork, soft potatoes, plump hominy kernels, and pieces of roasted green chile.

It’s similar in spirit to other Southwestern pork and chile stews, but the combination of potatoes and hominy gives this particular caldo its own hearty character.

This is a home-style recipe inspired by regional ingredients rather than a claim to one definitive traditional preparation.

Ingredients for Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

This recipe makes approximately six to eight servings.

For the Pork and Green Chile Broth

  • 2 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2–3 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled, seeded, and chopped

  • 8 cups chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Hominy and Potatoes

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white or yellow hominy, drained and rinsed

  • 3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

For Finishing

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Optional Toppings

  • Thinly sliced radishes

  • Finely diced white onion

  • Extra chopped fresh cilantro

  • Fresh lime wedges

  • Warm corn tortillas

  • Warm flour tortillas

Ingredient Notes

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe because it contains connective tissue and marbling that soften during slow cooking.

As the pork simmers, it becomes tender and releases savory flavor into the broth.

Choose boneless pork shoulder and cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Avoid using very lean pork cuts if you want the most tender results.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to brown the pork and sauté the aromatics.

Browning creates a deeper savory flavor that enhances the finished caldo.

Yellow Onion

Yellow onion adds natural sweetness and depth.

As it cooks, it softens and blends into the broth.

Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic contributes bold, savory flavor that complements the roasted green chiles.

Four cloves provide a noticeable garlic presence without overwhelming the dish.

Roasted Hatch Green Chiles

Roasted Hatch green chiles are the signature ingredient.

Hatch chiles are grown in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico and are prized for their distinctive flavor.

Depending on the variety, they can range from mild to very hot.

Roasting gives the chiles a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.

Use 2 cups for a more moderate chile presence or 3 cups for a bolder green chile flavor.

Hominy

Hominy is corn that has been treated through a process called nixtamalization.

It has a pleasantly chewy texture and mild corn flavor.

Both white and yellow hominy work well.

Drain and rinse canned hominy before adding it to the caldo.

Potatoes

Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes both work.

Yukon Gold potatoes generally hold their shape well and have a naturally creamy texture.

Russet potatoes are starchier and may soften more, which can slightly thicken the broth.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth forms the base of the caldo.

Use a flavorful broth, preferably low-sodium so you can control the salt level.

Ground Cumin

Cumin adds warmth and earthy flavor.

It complements the pork and roasted chiles.

Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano contributes a distinctive herbal note that pairs especially well with chile-based dishes.

Ground Coriander

Ground coriander adds subtle citrusy warmth.

It helps balance the earthy flavor of the chiles.

Bay Leaf

A bay leaf adds gentle herbal depth while the pork simmers.

Remove it before serving.

Salt and Black Pepper

Salt enhances the pork, potatoes, hominy, and broth.

Black pepper provides mild warmth.

Fresh Lime Juice

Lime juice brightens the rich broth and balances the savory ingredients.

Add it near the end of cooking for the freshest flavor.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro adds color and herbal freshness.

It works especially well with green chile and lime.

How to Make Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

This recipe uses a simple browning-and-simmering method that develops rich flavor while keeping the preparation straightforward.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Place the pork shoulder on a clean cutting board.

Trim away any large pieces of excess surface fat, leaving some marbling for flavor.

Cut the pork into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels.

Removing excess surface moisture helps the meat brown properly.

Step 2: Season the Pork

Sprinkle the pork cubes with the salt and black pepper.

Toss gently to distribute the seasoning.

You can reserve a little salt for adjusting the broth later.

Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil

Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Brown the Pork in Batches

Add a portion of the pork to the hot pot.

Arrange the pieces in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding because this can cause the meat to steam rather than brown.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until several sides develop a golden crust.

The pork doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Transfer the browned pork to a plate.

Repeat with the remaining pork.

Step 5: Sauté the Onion

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the diced yellow onion to the same pot.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The onion should become soft and translucent.

Use a wooden spoon to loosen some of the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds.

The garlic should become fragrant.

Avoid letting it burn because burnt garlic can create bitterness.

Step 7: Add the Roasted Hatch Green Chiles

Add 2–3 cups of roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped Hatch green chiles.

Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

This allows the roasted chile flavor to blend with the aromatics.

Step 8: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and ground coriander.

Stir gently.

Cook briefly until the spices become fragrant.

The mixture should smell savory, earthy, and slightly smoky.

Step 9: Return the Pork to the Pot

Add the browned pork and any accumulated juices back into the pot.

Stir gently to combine with the green chile mixture.

Step 10: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth.

Stir thoroughly.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

These bits contribute additional savory flavor.

Step 11: Add the Bay Leaf

Place the bay leaf into the broth.

Stir gently.

Step 12: Bring to a Gentle Boil

Increase the heat until the broth begins to bubble.

Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low.

The caldo should maintain a slow, steady simmer rather than a vigorous boil.

Step 13: Simmer the Pork

Partially cover the pot.

Simmer for approximately 1–1 1/2 hours.

Stir occasionally.

During this time, the pork will begin to soften and the green chile broth will develop deeper flavor.

The pork should be approaching fork-tender before the potatoes are added.

Step 14: Prepare the Potatoes

While the pork simmers, wash the potatoes.

Peel them if desired.

Cut them into approximately 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size.

Step 15: Prepare the Hominy

Open the cans of hominy.

Pour the hominy into a colander.

Drain and rinse thoroughly under cool running water.

Set aside.

Step 16: Add the Potatoes

Once the pork has begun to soften, add the potato chunks to the pot.

Stir gently.

Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth.

Step 17: Add the Hominy

Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy.

Distribute it evenly throughout the caldo.

The hominy is already cooked, so it only needs to heat through and absorb some of the broth’s flavor.

Step 18: Continue Simmering

Partially cover the pot again.

Simmer for approximately 20–30 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

The potatoes should become fork-tender, and the pork should be completely tender.

If the pork still feels firm, continue cooking until it softens.

The exact time depends on the cut and size of the pork pieces.

Step 19: Adjust the Broth

Check the consistency.

For a soupier caldo, add a little more chicken broth or water.

For a slightly thicker broth, gently mash a few cooked potato pieces against the side of the pot and stir them back in.

Taste the broth.

Add additional salt, black pepper, or roasted green chile if desired.

Step 20: Remove the Bay Leaf

Locate and remove the bay leaf.

Discard it before serving.

Step 21: Add Fresh Lime Juice

Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.

The acidity brightens the rich pork and green chile flavors.

Step 22: Add the Cilantro

Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Mix gently.

The cilantro adds freshness and color.

Step 23: Let the Caldo Rest Briefly

Turn off the heat.

Allow the caldo to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

This gives the flavors a chance to settle before serving.

Step 24: Serve Hot

Ladle the caldo into large bowls.

Make sure each serving contains plenty of pork, hominy, potatoes, and flavorful broth.

Top with sliced radishes, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.

Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas.

Recipe Time and Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Yield: One large pot of pork, hominy, and potato caldo

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrient Approximate information
Calories 400–480, according to the supplied estimate
Protein Primarily from pork shoulder
Carbohydrates Primarily from hominy and potatoes
Fat Primarily from pork and olive oil
Fiber From hominy, potatoes, and green chiles
Sodium Depends on chicken broth and added salt

The calorie range is an estimate rather than a verified nutritional calculation. Actual values depend on the pork’s fat content, broth, serving size, and optional toppings.

Tips for the Best Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

Use roasted Hatch green chiles. Roasting gives the chiles their distinctive smoky flavor.

Choose pork shoulder. Its marbling and connective tissue make it ideal for slow simmering.

Brown the pork properly. Browning develops savory flavor and improves the overall broth.

Don’t overcrowd the pot. Brown the pork in batches for the best results.

Use fresh garlic and onion. They create a flavorful foundation.

Adjust the chile heat carefully. Hatch chiles vary significantly in spiciness.

Simmer gently. A slow simmer helps the pork become tender without reducing the broth too quickly.

Add the potatoes later. This prevents them from becoming mushy while the pork cooks.

Rinse the hominy. Rinsing removes excess canning liquid.

Use Mexican oregano when possible. Its flavor complements the green chile beautifully.

Finish with lime juice. A little acidity balances the rich pork and earthy chile flavor.

Serve with fresh toppings. Radishes, onion, cilantro, and lime provide a refreshing contrast.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

Spicy Hatch Green Chile Pork Caldo

Use hot roasted Hatch green chiles.

Add extra chopped chile if desired.

This variation creates a bolder, spicier broth.

Mild Green Chile Pork and Potato Caldo

Use mild Hatch green chiles.

Start with 2 cups rather than 3.

This creates a more mellow, family-friendly version.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Pinto Bean Caldo

Add 1 can of drained and rinsed pinto beans during the final 15 minutes of cooking.

The beans add creaminess and make the caldo more filling.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Cabbage Caldo

Add 2 cups chopped green cabbage during the final 20–25 minutes.

The cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory broth.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Carrot Caldo

Add 2 sliced carrots with the potatoes.

Carrots contribute mild sweetness and color.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Corn Caldo

Add 1 cup sweet corn kernels during the final 10 minutes.

The corn adds sweetness that balances the chile heat.

Extra-Garlic Hatch Green Chile Caldo

Increase the garlic to 6 cloves.

This creates a more garlic-forward broth.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and White Bean Caldo

Add cooked Great Northern beans or cannellini beans.

The beans create a slightly creamier texture.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Sweet Potato Caldo

Replace some of the regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes.

The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness.

Hatch Green Chile Pork and Rice Caldo

Replace the potatoes with cooked rice.

Add the cooked rice near the end to prevent it from becoming overly soft.

What to Serve With Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo

Warm Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas complement the hominy and green chile flavors.

They’re perfect for dipping into the broth.

Warm Flour Tortillas

Soft flour tortillas are excellent for scooping up pork and potatoes.

Fresh Lime Wedges

Lime juice brightens the rich broth.

Sliced Radishes

Thinly sliced radishes add refreshing crunch.

Diced White Onion

Fresh onion adds a sharp contrast to the tender pork.

Fresh Cilantro

Cilantro provides a clean herbal finish.

Mexican Rice

Serve a small portion of Mexican rice alongside the caldo for an extra-hearty meal.

Homemade Cornbread

Cornbread adds a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy broth.

Simple Cabbage Slaw

A light cabbage slaw with lime juice balances the richness of the pork.

Roasted Green Chiles

Extra roasted green chiles make a flavorful topping for those who enjoy more chile heat.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

My Pork Is Still Tough

Pork shoulder may need additional simmering time.

Continue cooking gently until the meat becomes fork-tender.

If the potatoes are already tender, remove them temporarily to prevent overcooking.

My Potatoes Are Falling Apart

The potatoes may have been cut too small or cooked too long.

Use larger chunks and add them only after the pork has begun to soften.

My Broth Is Too Thin

Mash a few cooked potato pieces and stir them back into the broth.

You can also simmer uncovered briefly to reduce the liquid.

My Broth Is Too Thick

Add chicken broth or water in small amounts.

Stir until the desired consistency is reached.

My Caldo Is Too Spicy

Add more broth, potatoes, or hominy to dilute the heat.

For future batches, use mild Hatch green chiles.

My Caldo Isn’t Spicy Enough

Add more roasted hot Hatch green chile.

You can also add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.

My Broth Tastes Bland

Check the salt level.

Add a little more cumin, Mexican oregano, or roasted green chile.

A squeeze of fresh lime can also brighten the flavor.

My Hominy Is Too Firm

Canned hominy should already be cooked.

If it seems firmer than desired, simmer it a little longer.

My Caldo Is Too Salty

Add unsalted broth or water.

Additional potatoes or hominy can also help dilute the seasoning.

My Broth Has Too Much Fat

Pork shoulder can release fat during cooking.

Use a spoon to skim excess fat from the surface.

For a leaner finish, refrigerate the caldo and remove the solidified fat before reheating.

Storage and Reheating

Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo is excellent for leftovers because the flavors often develop further after refrigeration.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the caldo to cool briefly.

Transfer it to shallow, airtight containers.

Refrigerate within 2 hours.

Store at 40°F or below for up to 4 days.

Reheating on the Stovetop

Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan.

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.

Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F.

Reheating in the Microwave

Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl.

Cover loosely.

Heat in intervals, stirring between each interval.

Continue until thoroughly heated to 165°F.

Freezer Storage

Allow the caldo to cool.

Divide it into freezer-safe containers.

Leave room for expansion.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

The potatoes may become softer after thawing, but the pork, hominy, and broth should retain much of their flavor.

Thawing Frozen Caldo

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Add broth or water if the soup has thickened.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the caldo one day before serving.

Refrigerate promptly in airtight containers.

Reheat gently and add fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo?

It’s a hearty pork soup or stew made with roasted Hatch green chiles, hominy, potatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and seasonings.

The pork is simmered until tender, creating a flavorful Southwestern-inspired dish.

What Does Caldo Mean?

Caldo is a Spanish word meaning broth.

It’s also commonly used to describe comforting soups and brothy dishes.

What Are Hatch Green Chiles?

Hatch green chiles are chile peppers grown in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico.

They’re known for their distinctive flavor and varying levels of heat.

Are Hatch Green Chiles Spicy?

They can range from mild to hot depending on the variety.

Choose the heat level that suits your preference.

Can I Use Canned Hatch Green Chiles?

Yes.

Canned roasted Hatch green chiles work well.

Drain them if necessary and adjust the amount to taste.

Can I Use Frozen Roasted Hatch Chiles?

Yes.

Thaw them in the refrigerator before adding them to the pot.

Can I Use Regular Green Chiles Instead?

Yes.

Roasted Anaheim or other mild green chiles can be substituted, although the flavor will differ.

Can I Use Poblanos?

Yes.

Roasted poblano peppers create a delicious variation with a different flavor profile.

Do I Need to Roast the Chiles Myself?

No.

You can use prepared roasted Hatch green chiles.

Can I Use Fresh Unroasted Hatch Chiles?

Yes, but roasting is recommended because it develops deeper flavor and makes the skins easier to remove.

What Is Hominy?

Hominy is corn that has been treated through nixtamalization.

It has a chewy texture and mild corn flavor.

Can I Use White Hominy?

Yes.

White hominy works perfectly.

Can I Use Yellow Hominy?

Yes.

Yellow hominy is equally suitable.

Can I Use Dried Hominy?

Yes, but dried hominy must be prepared and cooked according to its package instructions before being added to this recipe.

Can I Make This Without Hominy?

Yes.

Omit the hominy or replace it with beans, corn, or additional potatoes.

Can I Add Pinto Beans?

Absolutely.

Cooked pinto beans make a delicious addition.

Can I Use Pork Loin Instead of Pork Shoulder?

Yes, but pork loin is leaner and may become dry during prolonged simmering.

Pork shoulder is recommended for the most tender results.

Can I Use Bone-In Pork Shoulder?

Yes.

Cook until tender, then remove the bones before serving.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?

Yes.

Chicken thighs are a good alternative.

Adjust the cooking time and cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I Use Beef Instead of Pork?

Yes.

Beef chuck can be used, although the cooking time may differ.

Can I Use Russet Potatoes?

Yes.

Russet potatoes work well but may break down more than Yukon Gold potatoes.

Can I Use Yukon Gold Potatoes?

Yes.

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture.

Can I Leave the Potato Skins On?

Yes.

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them.

Can I Add Carrots?

Yes.

Add sliced carrots with the potatoes.

Can I Add Cabbage?

Yes.

Add chopped cabbage during the final 20–25 minutes.

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes.

Brown the pork and sauté the onion, garlic, and spices on the stovetop.

Transfer everything to a slow cooker with the green chiles, broth, and bay leaf.

Cook on LOW for approximately 6–8 hours or HIGH for approximately 3–5 hours, until the pork is tender.

Add the potatoes during the final 2–3 hours on LOW or 1–2 hours on HIGH.

Add the drained hominy during the final 30–60 minutes.

Finish with lime juice and cilantro.

Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?

Yes.

Use the sauté function to brown the pork and cook the aromatics.

Add the broth, green chiles, and seasonings.

Pressure cook the pork on HIGH for approximately 30–35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of at least 10–15 minutes.

Add the potatoes and hominy afterward.

Simmer using the sauté function until the potatoes are tender, or pressure cook briefly according to your appliance’s instructions.

Can I Make This Caldo Ahead of Time?

Yes.

It often tastes even better the following day.

Can I Freeze Hatch Green Chile Pork Caldo?

Yes.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

How Long Does It Last in the Refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How Do I Make the Broth Thicker?

Mash a few cooked potato pieces or simmer uncovered briefly.

How Do I Make the Broth Thinner?

Add chicken broth or water.

Can I Serve This Over Rice?

Yes.

Rice absorbs the flavorful broth and makes the meal more substantial.

What Tortillas Are Best?

Both corn and flour tortillas pair beautifully with this caldo.

Can I Add Cheese?

You can add shredded cheese when serving, although the traditional chile-forward broth doesn’t require it.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

The main ingredients are generally naturally gluten-free.

However, check the chicken broth, packaged chiles, and seasonings if gluten avoidance is important.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes.

Double the ingredients and use a sufficiently large pot.

Allow additional time for browning the pork.

Why Add Lime Juice at the End?

Lime juice brightens the rich pork and green chile flavors.

Adding it near the end preserves its fresh acidity.

Why Are the Potatoes Added Later?

Potatoes cook faster than pork shoulder.

Adding them later helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

What Should the Finished Caldo Look Like?

The finished caldo should contain tender pork, soft potato chunks, plump hominy, and roasted green chile pieces in a savory broth.

The broth should be flavorful and spoonable, with a gentle green chile aroma.

Final Thoughts

Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo is a delicious, hearty meal that combines tender pork shoulder, smoky roasted Hatch green chiles, chewy hominy, and soft potatoes in a rich, savory broth.

The pork is browned to develop flavor, then slowly simmered with garlic, onion, cumin, Mexican oregano, and coriander until tender. Hominy and potatoes make the soup filling and satisfying, while fresh lime juice and cilantro add a bright finishing touch.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, chilly evenings, weekend cooking, and meal preparation.

For the best results, use roasted Hatch green chiles, choose well-marbled pork shoulder, brown the meat in batches, and simmer gently until the pork becomes fork-tender.

Add the potatoes and hominy toward the end of cooking to preserve their texture, then finish with fresh lime and cilantro.

Serve the caldo hot with sliced radishes, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and warm tortillas.

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or making a large pot to enjoy throughout the week, this Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo delivers satisfying Southwestern-inspired flavor and homemade comfort in every bowl.

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Hatch Green Chile Pork & Hominy Potato Caldo


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

This recipe makes approximately six to eight servings.

For the Pork and Green Chile Broth




  • 2 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes





  • 2 tablespoons olive oil





  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced





  • 4 cloves garlic, minced





  • 2–3 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled, seeded, and chopped





  • 8 cups chicken broth





  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin





  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano





  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander





  • 1 bay leaf





  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste





  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper



For the Hominy and Potatoes




  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white or yellow hominy, drained and rinsed





  • 3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks



For Finishing




  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice





  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro



Optional Toppings




  • Thinly sliced radishes





  • Finely diced white onion





  • Extra chopped fresh cilantro





  • Fresh lime wedges





  • Warm corn tortillas





  • Warm flour tortillas





Instructions

This recipe uses a simple browning-and-simmering method that develops rich flavor while keeping the preparation straightforward.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Place the pork shoulder on a clean cutting board.

Trim away any large pieces of excess surface fat, leaving some marbling for flavor.

Cut the pork into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels.

Removing excess surface moisture helps the meat brown properly.

Step 2: Season the Pork

Sprinkle the pork cubes with the salt and black pepper.

Toss gently to distribute the seasoning.

You can reserve a little salt for adjusting the broth later.

Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil

Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Brown the Pork in Batches

Add a portion of the pork to the hot pot.

Arrange the pieces in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding because this can cause the meat to steam rather than brown.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until several sides develop a golden crust.

The pork doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Transfer the browned pork to a plate.

Repeat with the remaining pork.

Step 5: Sauté the Onion

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the diced yellow onion to the same pot.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The onion should become soft and translucent.

Use a wooden spoon to loosen some of the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds.

The garlic should become fragrant.

Avoid letting it burn because burnt garlic can create bitterness.

Step 7: Add the Roasted Hatch Green Chiles

Add 2–3 cups of roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped Hatch green chiles.

Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

This allows the roasted chile flavor to blend with the aromatics.

Step 8: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and ground coriander.

Stir gently.

Cook briefly until the spices become fragrant.

The mixture should smell savory, earthy, and slightly smoky.

Step 9: Return the Pork to the Pot

Add the browned pork and any accumulated juices back into the pot.

Stir gently to combine with the green chile mixture.

Step 10: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth.

Stir thoroughly.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

These bits contribute additional savory flavor.

Step 11: Add the Bay Leaf

Place the bay leaf into the broth.

Stir gently.

Step 12: Bring to a Gentle Boil

Increase the heat until the broth begins to bubble.

Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low.

The caldo should maintain a slow, steady simmer rather than a vigorous boil.

Step 13: Simmer the Pork

Partially cover the pot.

Simmer for approximately 1–1 1/2 hours.

Stir occasionally.

During this time, the pork will begin to soften and the green chile broth will develop deeper flavor.

The pork should be approaching fork-tender before the potatoes are added.

Step 14: Prepare the Potatoes

While the pork simmers, wash the potatoes.

Peel them if desired.

Cut them into approximately 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size.

Step 15: Prepare the Hominy

Open the cans of hominy.

Pour the hominy into a colander.

Drain and rinse thoroughly under cool running water.

Set aside.

Step 16: Add the Potatoes

Once the pork has begun to soften, add the potato chunks to the pot.

Stir gently.

Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth.

Step 17: Add the Hominy

Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy.

Distribute it evenly throughout the caldo.

The hominy is already cooked, so it only needs to heat through and absorb some of the broth’s flavor.

Step 18: Continue Simmering

Partially cover the pot again.

Simmer for approximately 20–30 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

The potatoes should become fork-tender, and the pork should be completely tender.

If the pork still feels firm, continue cooking until it softens.

The exact time depends on the cut and size of the pork pieces.

Step 19: Adjust the Broth

Check the consistency.

For a soupier caldo, add a little more chicken broth or water.

For a slightly thicker broth, gently mash a few cooked potato pieces against the side of the pot and stir them back in.

Taste the broth.

Add additional salt, black pepper, or roasted green chile if desired.

Step 20: Remove the Bay Leaf

Locate and remove the bay leaf.

Discard it before serving.

Step 21: Add Fresh Lime Juice

Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.

The acidity brightens the rich pork and green chile flavors.

Step 22: Add the Cilantro

Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Mix gently.

The cilantro adds freshness and color.

Step 23: Let the Caldo Rest Briefly

Turn off the heat.

Allow the caldo to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

This gives the flavors a chance to settle before serving.

Step 24: Serve Hot

Ladle the caldo into large bowls.

Make sure each serving contains plenty of pork, hominy, potatoes, and flavorful broth.

Top with sliced radishes, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.

Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8

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