Braised Pork With Hominy And Peppers
A hearty braised pork dish infused with smoky peppers, fresh herbs, and hominy, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 12 black peppercorns
- 10 cups water ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb. boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno chili, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 cup canned chopped tomatoes with juices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Tie garlic cloves and black peppercorns in cheesecloth.
- In a heavy large saucepan, combine the cheesecloth package, 10 cups water, pork shoulder, sliced onion, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, skimming foam from the surface.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork and onions to a medium bowl.
- Strain the broth and reserve it for later use.
- Discard the contents of the strainer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the spices overnight. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, using 1/8 teaspoon per clove. For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or use a spicier chili powder. To thicken the sauce, you can blend some of the hominy into the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped oregano. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Rice And Bean Soup or Mexican Panned Corn for a complete meal. For a satisfying crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover braised pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork and broth in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Pork With Hominy And Peppers contains roughly 867 calories, with 40g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (411% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while boneless pork shoulder is ideal for braising due to its fat content, you can also use pork butt or even pork loin. Just be aware that leaner cuts may require less cooking time to prevent drying out.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeno or substitute with a hotter chili variety. Additionally, consider incorporating some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth as it simmers.
What can I serve alongside braised pork?
Braised pork pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, try accompanying it with Mexican recipes such as Enchilada Sauce(Chili) or a side of grilled vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).