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Chileajo

From the home kitchens of the Valles Centrales comes Chileajo, a traditional Oaxacan stew whose name says it all: chile and ajo, chile and garlic.

⏱ 40 minPrep time
🔥 120 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Oaxacan chileajo, pork in garlic guajillo chile sauce

From the home kitchens of the Valles Centrales comes Chileajo, a traditional Oaxacan stew whose name says it all: chile and ajo, chile and garlic. A smooth puree of guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic, cumin and cloves blankets tender pork in a deep red sauce that clings to every bite. It is homey, intensely savory, and a favorite for Oaxacan family meals.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Simmer the pork in salted water until tender, about 1 hour, then strain and reserve 4 cups of the broth.
  2. Toast the chiles lightly on a comal until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
  3. Blend the drained chiles with the garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, vinegar and a little broth into a smooth puree, then strain.
  4. Heat the lard in a cazuela and fry the puree, stirring constantly, until thick and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add the pork and reserved broth, then simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce is rich. Season with salt.
  6. Serve with white rice and warm tortillas.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The garlic is the backbone here — do not skimp. If you like a brighter, more rustic chileajo, leave the puree slightly textured instead of straining it.

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Recipe details

Prep40 min
Cook120 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →