Santa Fe Hominy

Santa Fe Hominy Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Santa Fe Hominy is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of hominy, tomatoes, chilies, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its bold Southwestern flavors.

History

Santa Fe Hominy is a traditional dish from the Southwestern United States, specifically from the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for generations, with its roots in Native American and Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients

2 tbsp broth of your choice (for sautéing)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups (6 oz / 185 g) chopped red (Spanish) onions
2 cans (15 oz / 470 g each) hominy, rinsed and drained
3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
2 roasted, peeled, cored, seeded, and diced poblano chilies
1 minced jalapeno chili, seeded
1 cup (4 oz / 125 g) grated monterey jack cheese (consider using non-fat cheese)

How to prepare

In a large heavy skillet, sauté the garlic and onions over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
Add the hominy, tomatoes, and chilies to the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until all the ingredients are well blended and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from heat and cover the hominy with cheese.
Stir gently until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a meatier version of Santa Fe Hominy.
Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse and drain the hominy before using it in the recipe to remove any excess salt or starch.

- For a spicier dish, you can add more minced chilies or leave the seeds in the chilies for extra heat.

- Be sure to use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Santa Fe Hominy can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or beans, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the garlic and onions before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the hominy, tomatoes, and chilies together allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

- Melting the cheese into the dish at the end adds a creamy and rich texture to the Santa Fe Hominy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find hominy, you can substitute with canned corn or cooked barley.

- Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not in season.

- Substitute green chilies for the roasted chilies if you prefer a milder dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Santa Fe Hominy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Santa Fe Hominy in individual bowls garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Santa Fe Hominy pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Santa Fe Hominy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

Summary

Santa Fe Hominy is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Santa Fe Hominy is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With its bold Southwestern flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I was wandering through the vibrant farmer's market, taking in the sights and smells of the local produce. As I strolled past the stands of colorful fruits and vegetables, my eye was caught by a stall selling jars of homemade salsa, pickles, and other preserved goods.

I struck up a conversation with the friendly woman behind the counter, who introduced herself as Maria. She was a native of Santa Fe and had been making these delicious products for years using traditional recipes passed down through her family. I was immediately drawn to her passion for cooking and asked if she had any recommendations for a local dish that I could try making at home.

Maria's eyes lit up as she began telling me about a traditional dish called Santa Fe Hominy. She explained that hominy was a staple in many New Mexican dishes, and that her family had a special recipe for preparing it that she was happy to share with me. She handed me a small slip of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in her elegant script, and I thanked her profusely before continuing on my way.

That evening, I eagerly set to work in my kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following Maria's instructions to the letter. The scent of cumin and green chilies filled the air as I simmered the hominy with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, stirring in a dash of oregano and chili powder for an extra kick of flavor. The dish came together beautifully, the hominy tender and flavorful, the sauce rich and spicy.

I served the Santa Fe Hominy to my family that night, and it was an instant hit. The flavors were bold and comforting, a perfect blend of earthy hominy and fiery chilies. My husband declared it one of the best dishes I had ever made, and my children eagerly asked for seconds. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a traditional recipe from a place far from my own home.

Over the years, I have continued to make Santa Fe Hominy regularly, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavors and textures. And every time I make it, I think back to that fateful day in the Santa Fe farmer's market, when Maria shared her family recipe with me and sparked a love affair with New Mexican cuisine.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy and satisfaction in making Santa Fe Hominy as I have. Remember to savor each bite, and to appreciate the rich culinary heritage that has brought this dish into your kitchen. And who knows, maybe one day you will pass it on to your own grandchildren, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come. Bon appétit!