Traditional Mexican Pozole – A Hearty Hominy Stew
Pozole, which means ‘hominy’, is a traditional soup or stew from Mexico, which once had ritual significance. It is made from hominy, with meat (typically pork), and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded cabbage, chile peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa, or limes.
Ingredients:
- 500g of hominy, canned or dried
- 1kg pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 liters of chicken broth
- 5 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes: shredded cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro
Directions:
1. If you’re using dried hominy, soak it overnight in water, then drain. Skip this step if you’re using canned hominy.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pork is tender, about 1 hour.
3. While the pork is cooking, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry pan over medium heat until they soften and become fragrant. Once cooled, blend the chiles with onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, and enough water to form a smooth paste.
4. Once the pork is tender, remove it from the broth. Shred the meat and set it aside. Strain the broth, return it to the pot, and add the hominy.
5. Add the chile paste to the pot with the pork broth and hominy. Add bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Add the shredded pork back to the pot and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serving:
Serve pozole in deep bowls, topped with your choice of garnishes: shredded cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Conclusion:
Pozole is more than just a delicious meal—it’s also steeped in cultural history. This dish is commonly served during celebrations, especially on New Year’s Eve, to bring good fortune. Whether you’re enjoying a family gathering or simply looking for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine, pozole is a comforting and satisfying dish to bring to the table.