Authentic Mexican Posole Recipe: A Flavorful Hominy Soup to Warm Your Heart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups canned white hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
  • 2 roasted poblano peppers, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and warm tortillas to serve

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in a large pot along with the water, onion, garlic, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 2 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Add the hominy, enchilada sauce, poblano peppers, oregano, and cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  4. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir it into the soup. Continue cooking the soup for another 30 minutes, until it is heated through.
  5. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with a side of radishes, cabbage, avocado, lime wedges, and warm tortillas.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for simmering.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping the onion, garlic, and cilantro.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the pork shoulder, onion, garlic, and poblano peppers.
  • Measuring cups - To measure the water, enchilada sauce, and hominy.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the salt, oregano, and cumin.
  • Stirring spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
  • Ladle - To serve the posole into bowls.
  • Bowls - To serve the posole.
  • Serving utensils - For serving the radishes, cabbage, avocado, and lime wedges.
  • Tortilla warmer - To keep the tortillas warm.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian or vegan option: Substitute the pork with diced tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Chicken Posole: Replace the pork with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
  • Seafood Posole: Add cooked shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Spicier version: Increase the amount of red enchilada sauce or add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers for an extra kick.
  • Green Posole: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • Smoky Posole: Add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce or smoked paprika to give the soup a smoky flavor.
  • Posole with toppings: Serve the posole with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapenos.
  • Posole with a twist: Experiment with different herbs and spices like coriander, smoked cayenne, or Mexican oregano to add unique flavors to the dish.

Recipe overview

Experience a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine with this hearty Posole recipe. Posole, a flavorful stew-like soup, is a classic dish known for its rich, savory broth and tender bits of pork. This recipe also incorporates hominy, a type of dried maize kernel, which adds a unique texture and taste to the dish. Spiced with poblano peppers, oregano, and cumin, and served with a variety of fresh toppings like radishes, cabbage, and avocado, each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare, though it does require a few hours of simmering to achieve its full depth of flavor. So, whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this Posole recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork shoulder? Yes, you can use chicken or beef as a substitute for pork shoulder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use fresh hominy instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh hominy if it is available. You will need to cook it separately before adding it to the soup.
  3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just follow the instructions until Step 2, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cilantro just before serving.
  4. How can I make this posole spicier? If you prefer a spicier posole, you can add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when adding the other ingredients.
  5. Can I make posole ahead of time? Yes, posole tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the pork and soup.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping the onion and poblano peppers.
  • Knife - Used for mincing the garlic, chopping the onion and poblano peppers, and slicing the radishes and avocado.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the soup while it cooks.
  • Ladle - Used for scooping and serving the soup.
  • Bowls - Used for serving the posole.
  • Serving spoons - Used for topping the posole with radishes, cabbage, and avocado.
  • Lime squeezer - Used for juicing the lime wedges over the posole.
  • Tortilla warmer or basket - Used for keeping the tortillas warm.

Origin stories

Posole, also known as pozole, is a traditional soup from Mexico, dating back to ancient times. It is said that the dish, consisting predominantly of hominy and meat, was created by the Mexicas (also known as the Aztecs). They believed maize, the key ingredient in hominy, to be a sacred plant, a gift from the gods that formed the universe. In fact, the original pozole was a part of ritual sacrifices, where the meat in the soup was actually human flesh. However, with the arrival of the Spanish, this practice was banned and replaced with pork, which has a similar taste. Today, posole is enjoyed throughout Mexico and the Southwestern United States, particularly during special occasions and celebrations. It's a warm, comforting dish, rich in both flavor and history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.