Crispy Pork-Stuffed Anaheim Chiles

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place pork in a large, heavy pot. Sprinkle with salt. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is brown, about 1 1/2 hours (when water has evaporated, pork will brown in its fat). Set aside.

   Step 2

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place chiles directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat. Roast, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternatively, broil chiles on a baking sheet, turning, until skin has charred.) Transfer chiles to a large bowl, and cover immediately with plastic wrap. Set aside to steam, about 15 minutes. Peel chiles; discard skins. With stems intact, slit each chile lengthwise; carefully remove seeds and veins. Place, slit side up, on a baking sheet.

   Step 3

   Spread 2 tablespoons cheese in bottom of each chile, then fill with 1/3 cup pork. Sprinkle chiles with the remaining 2 cups cheese. Spoon 1 tablespoon tomatillo sauce over top of each chile. Bake 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro; serve with tortillas and remaining tomatillo sauce.

2. Quick Purple Tomatillo Sauce

   Step 4

   Put the tomatillos in a medium saucepan; cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 4 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

   Step 5

   Process tomatillos, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, salt, and 1/4 cup liquid in a blender until a slightly chunky sauce forms, adding more liquid as needed. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.