A hearty soup that is one of Mexican cuisine’s best comfort foods!
For most of us, when we think about Mexican or Latin American cooking, it probably conjures up images of tacos or quesadillas. That’s fair, but there’s a lot more to the cuisine. Take pozole, for example. Although you may not be familiar with it, this hearty dish has long been a staple of Mexican cuisine.
This classic comfort food is traditionally made on the stove. You throw all the ingredients in a large pot and let them simmer for a few hours. However, this recipe calls for the trusty Instant Pot, one of my favorite kitchen appliances. It simplifies the process, and you’ll still enjoy an authentic taste.
What kinds of flavors can you expect from pozole? Well, the soup is meant to be a little spicy, which is why you’ll find chili powder and other seasonings in it. Pozole also includes pork and vegetables, such as hominy, that give it a distinct taste from other soups. This recipe also leaves the door open for some customization, allowing you to play with the flavors a little bit. With this recipe, you’ll create a soup that is good until the last slurp.
Spice it up
As mentioned, there is a lot of customization possible with pozole. The best advice I can give is to add peppers to the recipe to up the spiciness. Green chiles are a decent choice, and there’s no shame in going with the canned stuff. Jalapeños and poblano peppers can also be good additions. However, if you’re aiming for a more traditional pick, consider dried chiles like guajillo or ancho. For a deep and smoky flavor, soak and blend them into the broth. If that sounds too complicated, you could always stir in one to two teaspoons of chipotle chili paste. Add it when you’re sautéing the spices, or dissolve the paste in a little broth and stir it in at the end.
How do I store leftovers?
After cooking pozole, allow it to cool and store leftovers in an airtight container. They should stay good in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, you’ll need to add a splash of broth or water—pozole thickens over time. Pozole can also be frozen (without sliced radishes) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving suggestions
There are several tasty pairings for pozole, like the traditional Mexican Rice. But if you’re watching your carbs, the Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a wonderful alternative. Vegetable side dishes are also a good complement for this soup. When I have time, I’ll make Vegan Empanadas, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple, like topping the soup with some Fajita Veggies. Or go with something cold and fresh—a Mexican Chopped Salad should do the trick.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white hominy (15 ounces each) drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- Sliced radishes for garnish
- Lemon or lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, and cumin, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the pork shoulder pieces to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the pork is browned on all sides.
- Add the chicken broth and hominy to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'Sealing', and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and lemon or lime wedges.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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