Favorite Pozole Recipe

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Pozole is one of those soul-warming dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. With deep roots in Mexican tradition, this comforting stew brings together hominy, slow-cooked meat, and a flavorful broth topped with fresh garnishes. It’s the kind of meal that turns any ordinary day into a celebration.

Whether you’re preparing pozole for a cozy Sunday dinner or serving it during the holidays, the rich aroma and vibrant toppings make it unforgettable. With this favorite pozole recipe, you’ll master the art of creating a broth that sings with flavor and a texture that keeps everyone going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Pozole Recipe

This pozole recipe combines authenticity with simplicity. It’s easy to follow yet deeply flavorful, thanks to a blend of dried chiles, aromatics, and hominy that soaks up every drop of goodness. The garnishes add a bright and crisp contrast to the hearty broth, allowing each bowl to be personalized.

If you love make-ahead meals that taste even better the next day, pozole is your new go-to. It freezes well, feeds a crowd, and gives you that rich, comforting depth that defines home cooking at its best.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use in Pozole?

Traditionally, pork shoulder or pork butt is the star of red pozole (pozole rojo). The marbled fat melts into the broth during a long simmer, giving it a rich base. Some variations use chicken for a lighter version or beef for a bolder one, but pork remains the classic.

If you’re cooking for a mixed crowd, combining pork with a few cuts of beef (like shank or oxtail) gives a complex, savory result. The key is to simmer low and slow to develop those deep layers of flavor.

Ingredients for the Favorite Pozole Recipe

Pozole may look complex, but the ingredients are humble and pantry-friendly. Here are the key players you’ll need for this rich and satisfying stew:

Pork shoulder (or pork butt): This is the base of the broth, giving you that rich, silky texture. The meat becomes tender after slow simmering.

Hominy: A must-have in any pozole. These puffy corn kernels are hearty and give the stew its signature bite.

Dried guajillo chiles: Mild in heat but big in flavor, they create that deep red color and slightly smoky flavor in the broth.

Dried ancho chiles: These balance the guajillos with a sweeter, earthy tone.

Onion: Used both in the broth and the chile sauce for added depth.

Garlic cloves: Essential for that foundational flavor that ties everything together.

Bay leaves: Subtle but important for an aromatic, layered broth.

Mexican oregano: Adds a herbal punch that makes the soup pop.

Salt: Don’t forget to season the broth generously to bring all the flavors forward.

Optional garnishes: Shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, lime wedges, diced onions, oregano, avocado slices, and tostadas.

How To Make the Favorite Pozole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Broth

Place the pork shoulder in a large stockpot and cover with water. Add a halved onion, a few cloves of garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off foam and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until pork is tender.

Step 2: Make the Chile Sauce

While the pork is simmering, toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. Blend them with a few garlic cloves, half an onion, and some broth until smooth.

Step 3: Strain and Add the Chile Puree

Strain the blended chile mixture through a fine sieve into the broth pot. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Stir and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Add the Hominy

Drain and rinse canned hominy (or use pre-cooked if using dried). Add it to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until it soaks up the flavors.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust salt as needed. Remove the bay leaves. Shred the pork into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Serve hot in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes.

How to Serve and Store Pozole

Pozole is best served piping hot with an array of toppings so everyone can build their own bowl. Cabbage adds crunch, radishes bring bite, and lime brightens the broth. Pair it with a side of warm tostadas or fresh tortillas and you’ve got a feast.

This recipe makes enough to feed about 6 to 8 people generously. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove and refresh with new garnishes.

What to Serve With Pozole?

Fresh Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado complements the spice and adds cooling richness to the bowl.

Tostadas or Tortilla Chips

Crispy sides are perfect for dipping or layering with toppings like guacamole.

Mexican Rice

A hearty starch to balance out the soup and stretch the meal for larger gatherings.

Refried Beans

Serve on the side or smear onto tostadas for extra indulgence.

Spicy Pickled Carrots and Jalapeños

A punchy side that cuts through the richness of the pork broth.

Quesadillas

Cheesy, melty goodness that adds a kid-friendly side to the table.

A Light Green Salad

A refreshing contrast to the deep flavors of pozole, especially when dressed with citrus.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this cozy and flavorful pozole, here are more soup-inspired favorites from Luna Meals you should definitely try:

• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup with velvety texture and hearty bites.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for a Mediterranean twist.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup that’s both filling and meatless.
• Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup if you’re craving island flavors.
• Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a spicy and modern bowl.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use pork, chicken, or something else? Any special garnishes you added?

I love hearing how others bring these recipes to life in their own kitchens. Let’s keep sharing and cooking better together.

Explore more comforting, flavor-packed dishes over on Luna Meals on Pinterest: Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Pozole is more than just a meal. It’s a warm, nourishing bowl of tradition that invites everyone to gather around. With deep flavors, customizable toppings, and enough comfort to fill hearts and bellies, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Once you taste the layers of flavor in this favorite pozole recipe, you’ll know exactly why it’s a beloved classic.

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