Ancho Chile Pork Stew

Ancho Chile Pork Stew

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes

Makes 4-6 servings

1 ½ pounds boneless stewing pork or pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups water
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces
1 dried chipotle chile, stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces
½ cup raisins
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups chicken stock
2 large limes cut into wedges, for garnish
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro, for garnish

Season the pork with salt and pepper, and place in a large pot with the water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming the top, until the pork is opaque and firm, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Drain, reserving the liquid. Cover the pork.

Place the chiles and raisins in a bowl with 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Discard the excess liquid. Soak until softened, about 20 minutes. Process the chiles, raisins, and the liquid in a food processor until finely chopped.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste. Stir in the stock, chile mixture, and pork. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until the pork is very tender, about 50 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro.