Pozole
Pozole is a hearty Mexican soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hominy, and rich spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot.
- Cover the chicken with 2/3 chicken broth and 1/3 water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until the meat falls from the bones.
- Remove the chicken from the pot; remove all meat from the bones and shred.
- Leave plenty of multi-bite chunks of chicken.
- Saute the large onion, 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, and chopped garlic in a bit of the fat skimmed from the broth.
- Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and shredded chicken back to the pot along with the oregano, cumin, chili powder, jalapenos (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Add the hominy and continue to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour longer.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if available. You can substitute the chicken with pork or a mix of meats for variation. If you prefer a spicier pozole, try adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to skim off excess fat from the broth for a cleaner taste. This recipe is versatile and can also be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Pozole is traditionally garnished with shredded cabbage, diced radishes, sliced avocado, and lime wedges. It pairs beautifully with Matt'S Mexican Surprise or a side of tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Mexican rice or beans. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be a centerpiece for any Mexican recipes-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pozole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much. Pozole can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pozole contains roughly 269 calories, with 10g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (155% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% 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 dried hominy instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried hominy, but it requires soaking and cooking before adding it to the soup. Soak the dried hominy overnight and then boil it for about 2-3 hours until tender before incorporating it into the pozole. This option can enhance the texture and flavor of your dish.
How do I make pozole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mix of beans or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meat-free pozole that still captures the essence of the traditional dish.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
When serving leftovers, reheat the pozole gently and consider adding fresh garnishes to brighten the dish. A squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado can elevate the flavor. You can also prepare a side of quesadillas or tacos to complement the pozole, making it a fun and interactive meal.
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).