How to Make an Authentic Mexican Pozole

How to Make an Authentic Mexican Pozole

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that is rich in history and flavor, celebrated for its comforting nature and communal spirit. This dish typically features hominy, meat, and a variety of toppings. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make an authentic Mexican pozole that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To create an authentic pozole, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder or chicken (or a combination of both)
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 10 cups of water
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of hominy, drained
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder or 3-4 dried chiles (such as guajillo or ancho), soaked and blended with water
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Radishes, thinly sliced
  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • Avocado, diced
  • Chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the pork shoulder or chicken, onion, garlic, and 10 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender. If using chicken, it will take less time, approximately 1 hour.

Step 2: Shred the Meat

Once the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth to remove the onion and garlic, returning the clear broth to the pot. Once the meat is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the broth.

Step 3: Add the Hominy and Seasoning

Stir in the drained hominy, oregano, salt, and the blended chili mixture (or chili powder). Simmer the pozole for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the pozole is simmering, prepare the traditional toppings. Chop the fresh cilantro, slice the radishes, shred the cabbage or lettuce, and dice the avocado. Arrange everything in small bowls for easy serving.

Step 5: Serve

Once the pozole is fully cooked, ladle it into bowls, offering lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the hot soup. Encourage everyone to customize their pozole with their choice of toppings, creating a delightful and personalized meal.

Conclusion

Making authentic Mexican pozole is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to bring people together. This rich and hearty dish can be enjoyed for special occasions or simple family dinners. With your new skills, you can share the vibrant flavors of Mexico in your own home. Enjoy your delicious homemade pozole!