Back to list

Best Easy Puerco con Verdolagas Recipe

Name: Best Easy Puerco con Verdolagas Recipe
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 320 g
Ingredients: Pork shoulder, boneless, cut into 2-inch cubes 2 lbs; Verdolagas (purslane), washed and coarsely chopped 3 cups; Tomatillos, husked and halved 1.5 lbs; White onion, chopped 1 cup; Garlic cloves, peeled 3 cloves; Jalapeño peppers, seeded 2 pieces; Chicken broth 2 cups; Vegetable oil 2 tbsp; Kosher salt 2 tsp; Freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp

Pork stewed with verdolagas (purslane), a nutrient-rich wild green, in a tomatillo salsa. This traditional healthy dish combines protein with omega-3-rich greens for a wholesome family meal.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 310 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly

Image coming soon

Ingredients

Main ingredients

Pork shoulder, boneless, cut into 2-inch cubes 2 lbs
Verdolagas (purslane), washed and coarsely chopped 3 cups
Tomatillos, husked and halved 1.5 lbs
White onion, chopped 1 cup
Garlic cloves, peeled 3 cloves
Jalapeño peppers, seeded 2 pieces
Chicken broth 2 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Kosher salt 2 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 14 g 18%

Protein 25 g 32%

Fat 16 g 50%

Serving size 320g

Cooking steps

1

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown pork shoulder pieces in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan. Allow each side to sear for about 3-4 minutes before turning.
2

Remove the browned pork and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3

In a blender, combine tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Blend until smooth to create a bright green salsa.
4

Return pork to the pot. Pour in the tomatillo salsa and remaining chicken broth. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season with salt and pepper.
5

Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After 1 hour, stir in the chopped verdolagas. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 15–20 minutes until verdolagas are tender and pork is fork-tender.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What ingredient gives Puerco con Verdolagas its signature flavor and nutrition?

Verdolagas (purslane) is key to this dish's identity—it adds a unique tang and soft texture, plus notable omega-3 and vitamin content. Tomatillos deliver the bright, slightly tart salsa base, while pork shoulder gives savory depth and protein.

Q. What is the most important cooking step to get the pork tender?

Browning the pork over medium-high heat initially develops deep flavor, but the real tenderness comes from the low, slow simmer in tomatillo salsa for over an hour. This gentle heat allows the pork to become fork-tender without drying out.

Q. How can I avoid overcooking the verdolagas?

Add the verdolagas only in the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. This timing ensures they stay tender and vibrant, preserving their unique texture. Overcooking can cause them to lose color and become mushy, so monitor closely at this stage.

Q. What are the calories, protein, and carb ratios in this dish?

Each serving contains 310 kcal, with 14g carbohydrates (18% of calories), 25g protein (32%), and 16g fat (50%). This makes it a high-protein, balanced main course with moderate fat and lower carbs—a great fit for health-conscious eaters.

Best Easy Puerco con Verdolagas Recipe

AI 영양사 앤디