Posole is a warm and inviting dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This quick and easy version is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. With tender chunks of meat, hominy, and a rich broth, this recipe delivers all the classic tastes of traditional posole without the long cooking time. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Steps
- Finely dice a yellow onion and add it to a large soup pot with cooking oil. Sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
- Stir in flour and chili powder, continuing to sauté for an additional two minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the mixture from burning, as it will be quite dry.
- Whisk in water, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken.
- Drain a can of hominy and add it to the pot along with a can of diced green chiles. Include about 1.5 cups of pre-cooked shredded meat (pork, chicken, or beef).
- Stir in chicken broth and heat the mixture through for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare toppings by chopping cilantro and cutting a lime into wedges. Serve the posole with cilantro and a lime wedge on top, allowing guests to squeeze lime juice into their bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles
- 1 (15-ounce) can hominy, drained
- 1.5 cups pre-cooked shredded pork, chicken, or beef
- 1 fresh lime
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
FAQ
- What exactly is Posole?
- Posole, or pozole, is a hearty stew traditionally made with slow-cooked pork, hominy, green chiles, and various toppings. The version in this recipe is a quicker alternative to the authentic dish, similar to instant ramen compared to traditional ramen.
- Can I use different types of meat in Posole?
- Absolutely! While pork is the traditional choice for posole, leftover chicken or beef can also be used. They provide a delicious alternative for this quick version of the stew.
- What is hominy and how is it used in Posole?
- Hominy consists of large corn kernels that have been treated to remove their outer hull, resulting in a chewy texture. In this recipe, canned hominy is used for convenience, but dried versions are also available.
- What can I serve with Posole to make it a complete meal?
- Posole pairs wonderfully with cornbread, which can be crumbled into the stew to absorb the flavorful broth. Adding cooked rice on top is another excellent option to round out the meal.
- How can I customize my Posole with toppings?
- Toppings add a fun and personalized touch to posole. Consider adding shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, sour cream, avocado, or even tortilla chips to contrast with the spicy broth. Lime wedges and chopped cilantro are also recommended for a fresh flavor boost.
Tips
- Utilize Leftovers Efficiently: If you have pre-cooked shredded pork, chicken, or beef, use it to expedite the cooking process and add rich flavor to your posole. It’s a fantastic way to make use of leftovers while saving time.
- Customize with Toppings: Enhance your posole by experimenting with various toppings. Consider adding shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, or thinly sliced radishes. These additions can offer a delightful contrast to the spicy broth.
- Use Canned Hominy for Convenience: For a quick and easy preparation, opt for canned hominy. It provides the chewy texture and corn flavor essential to posole without the need for prolonged cooking.
- Enhance Flavor with Homemade Sauce: Use homemade red enchilada sauce as a base to thicken the broth and infuse a burst of flavor. This can elevate the dish significantly without much extra effort.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot – A good quality soup pot is essential for making stews and soups.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when incorporating tomato paste and spices.
- Can Opener – Necessary for opening canned ingredients like hominy and green chiles.
- Chef’s Knife – For dicing onions and chopping cilantro.
- Cutting Board – An essential surface for preparing vegetables and other ingredients.
