Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/21 checked
6
servings
2 unit

tomatoes

quartered

3 unit

jalapenos

halved

1 unit

pasilla pepper

halved

4 unit

serrano peppers

halved

1 unit

garlic

peeled

1 unit

onion

quartered

5 unit

tomatillos

halved

0.5 tbsp

ground cumin

1 tsp

oregano

1 tbsp

chicken bouillon

2 cup

chicken broth

0.25 cup

vegetable oil

6 unit

pork neckbones

2 lb

pork loin

cut into chunks

1 tsp

seasoning salt

2 lb

cactus

cleaned and cut in chunks

1 tbsp

dried onion

1 tsp

dried cilantro

1 tbsp

salt

3 unit

garlic cloves

1 cup

cilantro

chopped

Step 1
~5 min

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2
~5 min

In a roasting pan, combine quartered tomatoes, halved jalapenos, halved pasilla pepper, halved serrano peppers, peeled garlic, quartered onion, and halved tomatillos.

Step 3
~5 min

Sprinkle lightly with salt and roast for 35 minutes.

Step 4
~5 min

Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender.

Step 5
~5 min

Add cumin, oregano, and chicken bouillon to the blender.

Step 6
~5 min

Place the roasting pan over medium heat on two burners.

Step 7
~5 min

Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 8
~5 min

Add the deglazing liquid to the blender.

Key Technique: Deglazing
Step 9
~5 min

Blend until smooth.

Step 10
~5 min

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Step 11
~5 min

Sprinkle pork with seasoning salt.

Step 12
~5 min

Brown the pork in batches and set aside.

Step 13
~5 min

Add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth to the pan and deglaze.

Step 14
~5 min

Place the browned pork back into the pan.

Step 15
~5 min

Pour the blended vegetable mixture over the pork.

Step 16
~5 min

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour and 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 17
~5 min

While the pork is simmering, prepare the cactus.

Step 18
~5 min

In a large pot, combine cactus chunks, dried onion, dried cilantro, salt, and garlic cloves.

Step 19
~5 min

Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 20
~5 min

Cook for 20 minutes.

Step 21
~5 min

Drain the cactus, discard the garlic cloves, and rinse very well.

Step 22
~5 min

After the pork has simmered for 1 hour and 10 minutes, add the drained cactus and chopped cilantro to the pan.

Step 23
~5 min

Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the cactus is heated through.

Step 24
~5 min

Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the amount of peppers to control the spice level.

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.

Serve with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Warm tortillas

Mexican rice

Refried beans

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Guacamole
Pico de gallo
Sour cream

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Mexico

Cultural Significance

Traditional Mexican stew, often served during family gatherings.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Dia de los Muertos
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Family dinner
Weekend cooking
Comfort food night

Popularity Score

70/100

More Mexican Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Mexican Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Mexican
Medium
A-

Mexican Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

4.1
(201 reviews)

A flavorful and customizable Mexican Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with layers of coriander-lime rice, spicy kidney beans, sauteed peppers, guacamole, corn salsa, and your favorite toppings.

75 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (check ingredients)
75%
85
Mexican
Medium
A

Bean, Spinach, and Corn Quesadillas

4.2
(1237 reviews)

Delicious and easy-to-make quesadillas filled with refried beans, spinach, sweet corn, and cheese. A perfect weeknight meal with a Mexican twist.

50 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A

Chicken Burrito

4.3
(248 reviews)

A delicious and flavorful Chicken Burrito recipe with rajma beans, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

50 min
600 cal
Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Dairy-Free (if omitting cheese and sour cream)
80%
75
Mexican
Medium
B+

Chicken Chilli Cheese Quesadillas

4.0
(350 reviews)

A flavorful Mexican dish featuring chicken, cheese, and chilli in a grilled tortilla.

70 min
450 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Stew

4.2
(289 reviews)

A hearty and flavorful Mexican chicken stew made easy in a slow cooker. Perfect for a wholesome weekend meal.

360 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free (if sour cream is omitted)
85%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Poblano Chili Rellenos

4.1
(1324 reviews)

Baked cheese-stuffed poblano chilies with a flavorful tomato sauce. A classic Mexican dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

50 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free gram flour)
75%
70
Mexican
Hard
A

Mexican Sizzler

4.1
(185 reviews)

A vibrant Mexican Sizzler featuring garlic pepper rice, quinoa patties, and roasted vegetables, served on a sizzling hot plate. A delightful and impressive dish for house parties.

60 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if cornmeal used is gluten-free)
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Salsa Marinated Chuck Steak

4.0
(1594 reviews)

A flavorful chuck steak marinated in a vibrant salsa and lime juice mixture.

120 min
400 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
65%
75