Warm, bold, and brimming with tradition, this Favorite Pozole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that delivers a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Made with slow-simmered pork, earthy red chile sauce, and hearty hominy, this rich stew is not only satisfying but also deeply nostalgic. It’s perfect for cold nights, weekend gatherings, or anytime you’re yearning for a soul-warming meal. Garnished with crisp cabbage, fresh radishes, and zesty lime, this pozole doubles as one of the best customizable dinner ideas, tasting even better the next day. Whether you’re new to pozole or it has long been a family favorite, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

One of the biggest charms of pozole is its versatility. You can tweak the toppings to suit your personal taste – whether you prefer a sprinkle of diced avocado or a few crushed tostadas to add a delightful crunch. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bite a comforting adventure. The combination of tender pork and the smokiness from the chiles creates a delightful depth, while the fresh toppings add a refreshing crunch, ensuring you have a well-balanced dish that satisfies on several levels.

Why You’ll Love This Favorite Pozole Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This dish is perfect for colder weather, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
Customizable: Personalize your pozole with a variety of toppings, from fresh cilantro to a drizzle of lime juice.
Nostalgic Flavor: With roots deeply embedded in Mexican cuisine, this recipe brings a sense of tradition and comfort.
Easy to Prepare: Though it takes time, much of the cooking is hands-off, making it easy to prepare for gatherings.
Make Ahead: Pozole tastes incredible the next day, allowing flavors to deepen for an even better experience.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious pozole recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. First, make sure you have a large stockpot, ideally one that can hold at least 8-10 quarts, as you’ll need ample space for simmering the pork shoulder and chile sauce. Since the dish requires toasting and soaking dried chiles, also have a skillet and a bowl of hot water ready. You might also want to keep a fine mesh strainer handy for ensuring your chile sauce is silky smooth, which makes all the difference in the richness of the dish.

Gathering all the ingredients ahead of time can streamline the process. Chop your vegetables and measure out spices beforehand to keep everything organized. Having a good cutting board along with a sharp knife will significantly speed things up when you’re prepping the onions and garlic. As you cook, enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage, whether it’s a refreshing agua fresca or a rich Mexican beer; this stew deserves to be savored from start to finish.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder
1 white onion, halved
6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
10 cups water
5 dried guajillo chiles
3 dried ancho chiles
4 garlic cloves
1/2 white onion
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups pork broth
2 (15 oz) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups dried hominy, soaked and cooked)
Salt to taste
Shredded green cabbage
Diced white onion
Sliced radishes
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Diced avocado (optional)
Crushed tostadas or tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Begin by placing the pork shoulder into a large stockpot along with the halved onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and salt. Pour in 10 cups of water and bring the contents to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, carefully skimming off any foam that collects on the surface. Let this simmer uncovered for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is unbelievably tender and easily falls apart.

Step 2: Toast and Soak Chiles

While the pork is cooking, it’s time to unleash the flavors from the chiles. Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until they’re aromatic, being careful not to burn them. After toasting, place them in a bowl of hot water and let them soak for about 20 minutes or until softened. This step is crucial, as it brings out their deep, smoky flavor, which will add depth to your pozole.

Step 3: Make the Chile Sauce

Once the chiles have soaked, it’s time to blend your sauce. Combine the softened chiles with the remaining garlic cloves, onion, cumin seeds, oregano, and 1 1/2 cups of the pork broth in a blender. Blend until smooth, and for an even finer texture, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once the pork is ready, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces, using two forks or your hands. Strain the broth to catch any impurities and return it to the stockpot. Mix in the vibrant chile sauce, the shredded pork, and the hominy. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Final Simmer

Return the pot to a simmer and let the pozole cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. This brief simmer allows all the flavors to meld harmoniously. Throughout this final cooking phase, taste the pozole and adjust the salt and broth consistency according to your preference—feel free to add more broth if it appears too thick.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, ladle the hot pozole into bowls and top with an array of fresh garnishes: shredded cabbage, diced onion, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of zesty lime. For an added touch, you can include diced avocado or crushed tostadas on top. Enjoy your hearty creation with family and friends!

Variations

Protein: Try substituting the pork with chicken or turkey for a lighter version, or use beef for a robust flavor.
Vegetables: You can add diced potatoes, carrots, or even zucchini for added nutrients and texture.
Spices: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder to personalize the heat level and depth of flavor.

Cooking Notes

To achieve an authentic texture, dried hominy is preferred but requires soaking overnight. If you’re short on time, canned hominy is a great shortcut.
Don’t rush the toasting and soaking of the dried chiles. These steps intensify their flavor, contributing to the overall taste of the pozole.
Straining the red chile sauce is a simple yet important step. It ensures the pozole has a smooth and luxurious consistency that enhances every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your pozole with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
A side of fresh guacamole and salsa also complements the dish beautifully.

Tips

For additional creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca on top of your serving.
Feel free to adjust the number of garnishes based on personal preference; everyone enjoys their pozole differently!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

What is pozole?

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made with hominy, meat (commonly pork), and seasoned with various spices. It’s often garnished with fresh vegetables and herbs before serving.

Can I make pozole in advance?

Absolutely! Pozole can be made a day ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together overnight.

Is pozole gluten-free?

Yes, pozole is gluten-free as it primarily consists of pork, hominy, and spices. However, be sure to check that your broth and any additional garnishes are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of pork shoulder?

You can use chicken thighs or beef in place of pork shoulder if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken usually cooks faster, while tougher cuts of beef may require a longer simmer.

Conclusion

This Favorite Pozole Recipe brings warmth, tradition, and comfort into your kitchen, ensuring that each bowl is rich with deep flavors and fresh toppings. Let the aroma fill your home as it cooks, and don’t hesitate to invite family and friends to share in this delightful meal. With its beautiful blend of ingredients and easy preparation process, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. We encourage you to leave comments about your experience, share your thoughts, or perhaps share a twist you introduced to make it your own. Enjoy cooking, and happy feasting!