Posole
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired posole with tender pork, hominy, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. pork roast or pork steaks ⓘ
- garlic salt ⓘ
- seasoned salt ⓘ
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) hominy ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 4 carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 can (13 oz.) chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies ⓘ
- dash of oregano ⓘ
- dash of cumin ⓘ
- 1 lb. Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim off fat from pork and cut into bite-size cubes.
- Sprinkle pork with garlic salt and seasoned salt.
- Place meat, hominy (with juice from one can), chopped onion, sliced celery, sliced carrots, chicken broth, and chopped green chilies in a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with oregano and cumin; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours in a slow cooker.
- When done, add Velveeta cheese and milk to the slow cooker.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork in a mix of garlic salt, seasoned salt, and a splash of lime juice before cooking. If Velveeta isn't available, cream cheese or a blend of shredded cheeses can work as a substitute. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste preference, especially if you like it spicier. This dish is reminiscent of hearty Mexican recipes, making it a comforting choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this posole with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Tortillas for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave; just ensure to cover it to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Posole contains roughly 654 calories, with 20g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1827mg per serving (79% 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 chicken instead of pork in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken for a lighter option. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Adjust the cooking time to about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for posole?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by replacing the pork with diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding black beans or pinto beans for protein. The hominy will still provide that traditional texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce when adding the other ingredients to the slow cooker. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use spicier green chilies. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
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).