Mexican

Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. Made with hominy and tender meat, it’s often garnished with fresh toppings for a vibrant dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or celebrations.

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Prep

15 minutes

Cook

2 hours

Level

Medium

Serves

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Illustrated cooking guide

Step-by-step visual method

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Pozole Rojo illustrated step-by-step cooking guide

Instructions

1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
3
Toss in the pork shoulder chunks and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, soak the dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
5
Once the chiles are soft, blend them with a bit of the soaking water into a smooth paste.
6
Add the chile paste to the pork mixture along with the ground cumin and oregano. Stir to combine.
7
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours or until the pork is tender.
8
Add the drained hominy to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
9
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips

For extra flavor, let the soup simmer longer if you have time.

Adjust the spice by adding more or less of the dried chiles according to your preference.

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Helpful notes

Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the pozole cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Substitutions

Use chicken or turkey instead of pork for a healthier option.
Vegetarian version: Replace meat with mushrooms and vegetable broth.

What to Serve With

Corn tortillas
Mexican rice
Fresh avocado slices

Common Mistakes

Not soaking the dried chiles long enough, which will make them hard to blend.
Skipping the seasoning step at the end, which is crucial for enhancing flavor.

Recipe FAQ

What is pozole?

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy and meat, typically pork, served with various toppings.

Can I make pozole with chicken?

Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken for a lighter version of pozole.

What toppings are served with pozole?

Common toppings include chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, and lime wedges.

Kitchen tools

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Blender

Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.

Saucepan

Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.

Skillet

Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.

Chef knife

A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.

Cutting board

Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.

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