Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that has its roots in pre-Columbian history, often served on special occasions and holidays. It’s a hearty stew-like dish made primarily with hominy (nixtamalized corn) and meat, typically pork, and is seasoned with a blend of chilies and spices. The soup is garnished with a variety of fresh toppings such as radish, lettuce, onion, lime, and oregano, making it a vibrant and customizable dish.
Appliances and Special Utensils Needed:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 white onion, halved
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 3 cans (15 oz each) of white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 ancho chilies
- 2 guajillo chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Garnishes: sliced radishes, chopped lettuce, diced onions, dried oregano, lime wedges, and sliced avocado
Recipe:
- Prepare the Meat: In a large stock pot, place the pork chunks, half an onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
- Make the Chili Paste: While the pork is cooking, toast the ancho and guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant. Remove the stems and seeds, then soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes to soften. Blend the softened chilies with the remaining half onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic until smooth, using a little of the soaking liquid to facilitate blending.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the broth and shred it. Skim off any excess fat from the broth and add the hominy. Stir in the blended chili paste and chicken broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Simmer: Bring the pozole back to a simmer, add the shredded pork, and sprinkle with oregano. Adjust salt to taste. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the hot pozole into bowls and allow each person to garnish their own bowl with radishes, lettuce, onions, oregano, lime, and avocado as desired.
This pozole recipe offers a rich and flavorful experience, perfect for gatherings and providing a warm, comforting meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious result!