Posole

Authentic Posole Recipe from Mexico with Pork Shoulder and Hominy

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Posole, also known as pozole, is a traditional Mexican soup or stew that is typically made with pork, hominy, and various spices. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for warming up on a cold day or for serving at a festive gathering.

History

Posole has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to pre-Columbian times. The dish was traditionally made with corn, meat (usually pork), and various seasonings. It was often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations, and it remains a popular dish in Mexican culture today.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) pork shoulder
0.5 onion stuck with 2 cloves
2 cloves garlic, peeled
5 peppercorns
0.5 tsp whole cumin seed
pinch of oregano
1 chopped onion
2 chopped cloves of garlic
2 tbsp oil
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp cloves
0.5 tsp cayenne
4 cups canned white hominy, drained and rinsed
3 to 5 cups pork broth from cooking pork shoulder
1 cup canned chopped green chilies
salt to taste

How to prepare

To prepare this recipe, start by peeling and chopping 2 cloves of garlic and an onion.
If using, chop the green chilies and jalapenos, and drain and rinse the hominy.
Now, let's move on to cooking.
Take a large saucepan and place the meat in it, covering it with lightly salted water.
Add the peeled garlic cloves, clove-studded onion, peppercorns, cumin seed, and oregano.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove the meat and broth, keeping both aside.
In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in oil until they become translucent.
Add the remaining spices and stir for a minute.
Cut the reserved pork into 1-inch cubes and add them to the pan.
Stir in the canned hominy, pork broth (if there isn't enough, you can add chicken stock), green chilies, and jalapenos (if desired).
Cover the pan and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, until the meat and hominy become tender.
If needed, continue cooking for an additional 60 minutes until the chilies and onions blend well into the broth.
Degrease the stew, taste for salt, and serve it in soup bowls.

Variations

Substitute chicken or beef for the pork in this recipe for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Use different types of chilies or hot sauces to adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use pork shoulder or pork butt in this recipe.

- Make sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface while simmering the meat to ensure a clear broth.

- Adjust the amount of spices and chilies to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve posole with a variety of toppings such as shredded cabbage, radishes, avocado, lime wedges, and cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve posole with a side of warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with toppings such as shredded cabbage, radishes, avocado, lime wedges, and cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for making posole include simmering the meat in broth until tender, sautéing the onions and garlic for added flavor, and allowing the stew to simmer until the flavors meld together. Be sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find hominy, you can substitute with canned or frozen corn kernels.

- Use vegetable broth or water as a substitute for pork broth if needed.

- Substitute ground spices for whole spices if necessary, adjusting the amounts to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Posole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve posole in individual soup bowls garnished with toppings such as shredded cabbage, radishes, avocado, lime wedges, and cilantro for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Pair with warm tortillas or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Posole pairs well with a variety of beverages such as Mexican beer, tequila, or agua fresca. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with hibiscus tea or horchata for a refreshing and flavorful drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover posole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of posole typically contains around 300-400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Posole is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the use of hominy, which is a type of corn that has been treated with an alkali solution. One serving of posole typically contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The amount of fat in posole can vary depending on the cut of pork used and any additional oil added during cooking. On average, one serving of posole contains around 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Posole is a protein-rich dish thanks to the pork used in the recipe. One serving of posole typically contains around 20-25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Posole is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Posole may contain allergens such as pork, garlic, and onions. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to check the ingredients carefully before preparing or consuming posole.

Summary

Overall, posole is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes.

Summary

Posole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty meal. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, posole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

. It was a crisp autumn day, the kind of day that makes you want to stay indoors and cook something warm and comforting. I had just finished cleaning out my recipe box, organizing all my beloved recipes that I had collected over the years.

As I shuffled through the worn index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a recipe for Posole. I had heard of Posole before, a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, pork, and chilies, but I had never tried making it myself. The recipe was handwritten, the ink slightly smudged and faded with age. It was clear that this was a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this recipe from. Perhaps it was from a friend, or a neighbor, or maybe even a distant relative. But regardless of its origins, I knew that I had to make it. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful, and I could practically taste the rich broth and tender pork just by reading the recipe.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I browned the pork and simmered the hominy in a fragrant broth, the kitchen filled with the comforting smells of garlic, onions, and spices. I added a handful of dried chilies for a bit of heat, just as the recipe instructed.

As the Posole simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had shared meals with loved ones. Food has always been a way for me to connect with others, to show love and care through a warm bowl of soup or a slice of homemade bread. And now, as the Posole bubbled away on the stove, I felt a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for all the recipes that had been passed down to me.

Finally, after hours of simmering and adjusting the seasonings, the Posole was ready. I ladled it into bowls, topping each with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I couldn't wait to taste it, to see if it lived up to my expectations.

As I took my first spoonful of the steaming soup, I was transported back in time. The flavors were rich and complex, the pork tender and flavorful, the hominy the perfect balance of chewy and soft. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make time and time again for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in. And as I sat at the table, savoring each spoonful of Posole, I felt a deep sense of connection to all those who had come before me, who had shared this recipe and this love of cooking.

And so, the memory of finding this recipe for Posole for the first time is still fresh in my mind, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.