Mexican Pazole

 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks (you can substitute a mix of pork and chicken for a lighter base)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded (for red pozole)
• 1 can (29 oz) white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Water, enough to cover meat and hominy (about 10 cups)

Must have Garnishes and Serving components

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Thinly sliced radishes
• Finely chopped white onion
• Fresh lime wedges
• Dried oregano for sprinkling
• Crushed chili flakes or hot sauce
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas , I fried my tortilla shells 

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth: In a large heavy-bottom pot, add pork shoulder chunks, onion halves, garlic cloves, and peppercorns. Cover with water, about 10 cups, and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
2. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and allow the broth to simmer for 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and fragrant. This slow simmering builds the base flavors that are critical to authentic pozole.
3. Prepare the chile sauce (for red pozole):While the broth cooks, rehydrate dried guajillo chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes. Drain and blend them with a small amount of broth to create a smooth, vibrant sauce. Set aside.
4. Add hominy and chile sauce: Once the meat is tender, remove onion, garlic, and peppercorns from the broth. Stir in the rinsed hominy and chile sauce, if using. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the stew slightly.
5. Season to taste: Add salt and dried oregano, adjusting to your preference. Remove the meat, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot for a balanced presentation with hominy and broth.
6. Garnish and serve: Ladle pozole into bowls and beautifully arrange shredded cabbage, radishes, chopped onion, and avocados on the side for guests to customize their bowls. don’t forget fresh lime wedges to brighten each bite.

Other meat options include chicken thighs if you don’t eat pork ❤️