Prepare for a flavor explosion! This recipe for Pork Ribs in Green Sauce with Nopales offers a vibrant twist on classic comfort food. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs bathed in a zesty, herbaceous green sauce, complemented by the unique texture of nopales (cactus paddles). This isn't your grandma's ribs; it's a fiesta of fresh flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory gathering. The bright, slightly spicy sauce cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a delightful balance that will leave you wanting more.
The combination of succulent ribs, earthy nopales, and the invigorating green sauce is a culinary adventure you won't soon forget. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, despite its impressive flavor profile. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pressure cooker or pot
- Saucepan
- Blender
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 2 kg
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Onion: 1 piece
- Water
- Salt: 2 tablespoons + to taste
- Potatoes: 1 kg
- Green chilies
- Green tomatoes (Tomatillos)
- Nopales (cactus pads)
- Cilantro
- Cooking oil
- Chicken broth (granulated): 1 spoonful
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Ribs and Green Sauce Base
- Wash and soak the pork ribs in water to remove blood. Add garlic, onion, water, and salt to the pressure cooker. Cook for 15 minutes after the valve rises, then turn off.
- Boil water in a pot, add green chilies and tomatillos. Cook until they change color.
- Blend the cooked tomatillos, green chilies, garlic, onion, cilantro, and water until smooth.
Step 2. Cook the Vegetables
- Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small pieces. Boil them separately.
- Clean and cut the nopales into small pieces or squares.
- Boil the nopales in another pot with water and a spoonful of salt until tender.
- Heat oil in a saucepan. Fry the nopales until slightly browned.
- Drain the cooked nopales and set aside.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the blended green sauce, raw potatoes, and some meat broth to the saucepan. Simmer until potatoes are cooked.
- Add the fried ribs, nopales to the potato stew. Add more broth if needed to adjust consistency. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4. Fry and Serve
- Fry the cooked ribs in oil until golden brown (approx. 15 minutes).
- Serve hot with the remaining broth!
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Tips
- If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the ribs in a regular pot until the water is absorbed.
- Use small tomatillos for less acidity.
- Adjust salt to your taste.
- Add chicken broth for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 100-140g
- Carbs: 60-80g
- Protein: 120-150g
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Transfer the marinated ribs and green sauce to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
2. What can I substitute for nopales?
If you can't find nopales, you can omit them entirely, or substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a similar textural element.
This easy and quick green sauce pork ribs recipe delivers big on flavor without sacrificing convenience. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and tender texture of these ribs, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this delicious creation!