One of the most famous dishes you will find in Mexico is Pozole. This rich, warming stew is made with hominy corn, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. It is a deeply flavored, very comforting dish, and in its red pork version, it’s full of flavor. Looking for a recipe for pozole? Read on to find a delicious traditional Mexican Red Pork Pozole recipe!
What Is Pozole?
Pozole is a Mexican stew usually made with hominy corn, a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. It is said to date back to the pre-Columbian Aztec times, and was known to be a chieftain’s version of a sanctuary as it was considered a very important dish. It has the acclaim of being one of the country’s most traditional and beloved meals.
There is a green and a red version. The red Pozole is typically made with pork, chicken, beef, or a combination of these meats. The green variety is generally made with chicken. It is usually accompanied by a variety of garnishes, such as chopped onions, lettuce, radishes, lime juice, and other items. In some regions of Mexico, avocado and chile contain are also used.
Ingredients For Red Pork Pozole
This dish may vary from region to region, with different seasonings and toppings. However, the basics to prepare a Red Pork Pozole include: pork shoulder, pork belly, or a combination of both; onions, garlic; bay leaves; cumin; oregano; hominy corn; and chicken broth. Other ingredients may be corn tortillas or tostadas, limes, cabbage, radishes, Mexican oregano, finely chopped onions, and finely chopped cilantro. You can also add an extra kick by including chopped jalapeño or another hot chili in the stew.
Recipe For Red Pork Pozole
Step 1: Saute The Pork and Onions
In a large pot, heat a little vegetable oil and saute the pork pieces and chopped onions for a few minutes, until the pork has started to brown.
Step 2: Add The Seasonings
Add the garlic, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, salt, and some pepper to the pork. Saute for a few more minutes to incorporate the flavors.
Step 3: Cook The Hominy Corn
Rinse the hominy corn and add it to the pot with the pork, along with the chicken broth. You can also add some extra water if needed.
Step 4: Simmer The Stew
Reduce the heat to medium and let the stew simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the pork is tender and the hominy corn is cooked through. Add a little more water if the stew starts to get too thick.
Serving Red Pork Pozole
Once the stew is ready, you will serve it in bowls, and everyone can customize it with their choice of toppings and garnishes. Add chopped onions, crumbled cheese, finely chopped cilantro, lime juice, and radishes. A side of tostadas with salsa or avocado also goes well with Red Pork Pozole. Enjoy!
Tips For Making The Perfect Red Pork Pozole
Here are a few tips to make sure you get the best Red Pork Pozole:
Make sure to rinse the hominy corn well before adding it to the pot, as it has a lot of starch. This will give you a better texture.
Use top-quality chicken broth preferably home-made, for a more flavorful and aromatic stew.
Do not skimp on the garlic, as it gives this stew its characteristic flavor.
Do not leave your stew unattended as it starts simmering. You want to make sure to check it every so often, and add more water if necessary.
Feel free to add an extra kick by including hot chili.
In Conclusion
Red Pork Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew that is made with pork, hominy corn, vegetables, and seasonings. It is rich and warming, and perfect for the cold months. This classic dish is usually accompanied by a variety of toppings such as onion, radishes, lime juice, and more. Use the above recipe as a starting point, and feel free to make it your own by adding in your favorite topping and seasonings. Enjoy!
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