Pozole is often described as incredibly delicious, thanks to its rich and hearty flavors. The combination of tender meat, hominy (large maize kernels), and a flavorful broth, whether it’s red, green, or white, creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The variety of toppings like fresh lettuce, radishes, lime, and avocado add a refreshing crunch and zest. Many people find it to be a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy and it’s common for us to have it New Year’s Day.
Pozole
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup with origins in pre-Columbian times, made from maize and meat. Initially a sacred dish for the Aztecs, it evolved with the Spanish introduction of pork. Today, it comes in three main varieties: blanco (white), verde (green), and rojo (red), and is often garnished with toppings like lettuce and radishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into cubes
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 dried guajillo chiles
- 6 dried ancho chiles
- 1 can 29 oz hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
Toppings
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, add the pork, half the chopped onion, and 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove the meat and shred it, reserving the broth.
- Prepare the Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. Blend the chiles with a bit of the soaking water until smooth.
- Make the Sauce: In a large pot, sauté the remaining onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the blended chiles, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes.
- Combine: Add the shredded meat, hominy, and reserved broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle the pozole into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado.