Hearty Homestyle Pozole
Warm up with my authentic pozole recipe! This tasty Mexican soup loaded with pork and toppings is a must-try for family gatherings. Discover tips inside!

Hearty Homestyle Pozole: A Warm Bowl of Tradition
Oh my gosh, you guys! if you’ve never tried a pozole recipe , you are seriously missing out. this isn’t just any soup; it’s a giant hug in a bowl.
Packed with flavor and comfy vibes, this traditional mexican dish will make your taste buds dance. honestly, once you try it, you'll understand why it’s been a staple in mexican kitchens for centuries.
A Little Bit of History
So, where does this beauty come from? pozole dates back to pre-columbian times and holds a big spot in mexican culture.
Basically, it’s been around forever! it's a dish often enjoyed during celebrations like christmas or big family gatherings. and let me tell you, it’s perfect for cozy nights when you just wanna chill.
Time and Difficulty
Now, don’t freak out! this recipe is rated medium difficulty , and it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to whip up (including all the simmering magic).
You’ll get around 6 to 8 servings —enough for some family love or a night with friends.
Why You’ll Love It
One of the best things about this pozole is its nutrition. with tender pork and hominy, it’s not just hearty but also packed with protein.
It’s a dish that’s not just for meals; it’s for making memories. perfect for game nights, taco tuesdays, or just looking for an excuse to gather with your best pals (who doesn’t love an excuse for a party, right?).
What makes our authentic posole recipe stand out? it’s the balance of flavors. the seasoned broth combined with fresh, crunchy toppings adds a level of excitement in every spoonful.
Plus, you can tweak it easily—add chicken for a chicken pozole soup twist or switch up the meat altogether.
I remember the first time i made this dish. i was nervous. would it taste right? but the aroma that filled my kitchen gave me hope.
And once i took that first blissful bite? wow, it was like a culinary high five. trust me, you’ll want to dive right into this bowl of joy, especially during chilly nights or festive gatherings.
So, are you ready to make some delicious memories with this delightful pozole soup ? Let’s gather up the ingredients and get cooking!
Hearty Homestyle Pozole Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 10 cups (2.4L) water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tsp (10g) salt
- 2 tsp (10g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 3 (15 oz) cans of hominy, drained and rinsed (or 4-5 cups fresh)
- 1 cup (100g) red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240ml) radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
🥄 Instructions:
- In a large pot, add pork, water, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim any foam off the top for a clear broth.
- Add salt, cumin, and oregano. Simmer the pork for about 1.5 hours, or until tender. Check meat - it should shred easily.
- Stir in the hominy and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- While the pozole simmers, prepare the garnishes: slice cabbage, radishes, lime, avocado, and chop cilantro.
- Ladle the pozole into bowls and let guests add their garnishes.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Essential Guide to a Delicious Pozole Recipe
Alright, friends! if you’re diving into the world of pozole , you're in for a treat. this delicious! mexican soup is all about heartiness and comfort.
Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping it up for your next family gathering or cozy night in.
So, let’s break down what you’ll need.
Main Ingredients
For the broth , here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks. Look for meat with some marbling for that juicy flavor.
- 10 cups (2.4L) water. It’s the base, so don’t skimp on this!
- 1 onion , quartered. A must for that rich flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed. You know garlic makes everything better!
- 2 tsp (10g) salt. Feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- 2 tsp (10g) ground cumin. This spice is a game-changer.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano. It adds warmth to the dish.
- 3 cans (15 oz) hominy. Drain and rinse. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, use about 4-5 cups fresh .
Now, for those vibrant garnishes :
- 1 cup (100g) red cabbage, thinly sliced. Adds color and crunch.
- 1 cup (240ml) radishes, thinly sliced. A bit of zing!
- 1 lime , cut into wedges. Can’t skip this for that fresh hit!
- 1 avocado , diced. Creamy goodness right there.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped. A must for that authentic vibe.
- 1 jalapeño , sliced (optional, but yum!). Adds a kick if you want it.
- Tortilla chips for some crunch on the side.
Seasoning Notes
Now, let's jazz it up:
- Essential spice combo: Cumin and oregano are a powerhouse together. You won't regret it!
- Flavor enhancers: Fresh lime juice is your best friend here. It brings everything to life!
- Substitutions: Out of hominy? Canned corn works in a pinch, but it's just not the same vibe.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need to go all Gordon Ramsay for this. Just grab:
- A large pot or Dutch oven . You want something sturdy for that simmering goodness.
- Cutting board and knife for prepping those veggies and meat.
- A ladle —because, how else will you serve this deliciousness?
- Measuring cups and spoons . Don’t be eyeballing those spices!
- Small bowls for garnishes . Trust me; it makes serving feel fancy.
And yeah, if you’re missing something, don’t sweat it! A regular pot works if you don't have a Dutch oven. Cooking is all about improvisation, right?
So there you have it! all the ingredients and tools you need to whip up a pozole recipe that’ll have you saying “yum!” after every bite.
Now let's hit the kitchen and make some magic!

Cooking Method for Hearty Homestyle Pozole
Oh my gosh, let’s dive into this hearty pozole recipe ! making a dish that’s as legendary as pozole might feel a little overwhelming, but don't sweat it; it’s all about getting prepped and organized.
Trust me, you’ll have a heartwarming bowl of pozole soup ready before you know it!
Prep Steps
First off, let's talk about mise en place – it’s fancy french for “everything in its place.” chop your veggies, measure out your spices, and get that pork shoulder cut up.
This will save you mad time later.
Now, take a look at your kitchen setup. if your space looks like a war zone, just remember: clean as you go .
No one wants to face a mountain of dishes after devouring a cozy bowl of authentic pozole recipe . and don’t forget those safety reminders: keep your knives sharp and your pot handles turned inward so you don’t accidentally send your delicious broth flying.
Step-by-Step Process
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Brew the broth: in a large pot, toss in your pork , water , onion , and garlic . bring it to a boil over high heat.
Make sure to reduce it to a simmer once it’s bubbling nicely.
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Season it right: stir in salt , cumin , and oregano . let that baby simmer for about 1. 5 hours .
You want to see that pork tenderize so it shreds easily.
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Add the Hominy: After those 90 minutes, stir in your hominy and let it simmer another 30 minutes . Your kitchen will smell like pure magic.
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Ready the Garnishes: While it simmers, prep your garnishes. Slice up some radishes , avocado , and lime . Chop the cilantro and get your crispy tortilla chips ready.
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Serve It Up: Ladle the hot pozole into bowls and let everyone top it to their heart’s content. It’s all about personalizing your own pozole rojo recipe !
Pro Tips
Okay, here’s where i drop some wisdom bombs. choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for that juicy flavor. and don’t rush the flavor-building process.
Simmering is key! taste as you go; it’s your chance to adjust the seasoning and make it truly yours.
Avoid common mistakes like overcooking the hominy or serving it without any garnishes. Seriously, those toppings are what elevate it from good to amazing !
If you’re looking to prepare in advance, make your broth a day before. just reheat all that goodness and add your hominy for the perfect comfort meal on a busy weeknight.
You can also repurpose leftovers into tacos – it’s chef’s kiss good!
Now you see. making this red posole recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. so, take your time, enjoy the cooking, and most of all, dig in with your loved ones.
The best memories are made over bowls of warm mexican soups and stews !
Recipe Notes for Your Hearty Homestyle Pozole
Serving Suggestions
Oh my gosh, when it comes to serving your pozole recipe , presentation matters! you wanna make it pop, right? so, ladle that steaming soup into a big, vibrant bowl and pile up those garnishes like fresh avocado, radishes, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
For a sidekick, warm up some tortilla chips or make some homemade tortillas. honestly, is there anything better than dipping a chip into a warm bowl of pozole soup ? if you’re feeling extra fancy, a light mexican lager goes perfectly with everything.
Storage Tips
Now, don’t worry if you have leftovers. you can totally savor that goodness later! store your pozole recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Just remember to let it cool completely before stashing it away.
If you wanna go the freezing route—it’s cool. pour leftovers into freezer-safe containers and keep 'em for up to 3 months .
When it’s time to enjoy that warm hug again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Variations
Let’s spice things up a bit! if you’re feeling adventurous, switch things up with a red chicken pozole or try a fun vegetarian twist using mushrooms instead of meat.
Also, summer brings fresh seasonal veggies like zucchini or corn, which make for fabulous swaps. trust me, mixing it up keeps things exciting!
Nutrition Basics
It's always good to know what you're putting into your body. each serving of this authentic pozole recipe packs in about 350 calories and a decent amount of protein— 27g to be exact.
Plus, with all that hominy, you're getting some good fiber in your diet.
Pozole isn’t just tasty; it's comforting too, thanks to its nutritious broth and wholesome ingredients.
Wrapping It Up
So whether you’re diving into this red posole recipe for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, remember there are no hard and fast rules! cooking should be fun and a little messy.
Enjoy each spoonful, and don’t hesitate to make that recipe your own. trust me, your friends and family will love you for it!

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat to use for my pozole recipe?
The classic choice is pork shoulder, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. However, you can also opt for chicken or even turkey for a leaner option. If you're in the mood for something different, beef brisket or a vegetarian mix with mushrooms can give you a unique twist!
How do I store leftovers from my pozole recipe?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely first. When reheating, add a splash of water to bring back some moisture!
Can I make pozole recipe in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp. This makes it easier to host without being tied to the kitchen!
What are some delicious toppings for my pozole?
Traditional toppings include sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges. You can also add shredded cabbage for crunch and some jalapeño slices for a kick. Don't forget the tortilla chips for that extra crunch!
How spicy is pozole? Can I control the heat level?
The spiciness of pozole depends on how you season it and the types of toppings you use. If you want to control the heat, you can leave out any hot peppers and serve them on the side for those who like a bit of a bite. You might also try adding some chili powder for warmth without overwhelming heat!
What do I serve with pozole?
Pozole is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or homemade tortillas. For a traditional flair, consider serving it with a light Mexican lager or a refreshing glass of horchata. A crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette also complements the richness nicely!
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