Pozole with Pork and Chipotle

Pozole with Pork and Chipotle is a vibrant and hearty Mexican dish that makes a perfect choice for gatherings and parties. With its rich flavors and generous serving size, this recipe can easily feed a crowd. While it requires some planning and cooking time, the preparation is straightforward, making it an easy and satisfying option. Accompanied by warm tortillas and a variety of flavorful garnishes, this pozole promises to be a hit at any festive occasion.

MAKES: At least 8 servings

TIME: 3 to 4 hours, largely unattended; 1 hour with cooked hominy

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups dried hominy, or 4 cups precooked or canned hominy, liquid reserved
• 1 pound pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into chunks
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or marjoram leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 dried chipotle or 1 chile in adobo, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin, or to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using dried hominy, cook it in a large pot with enough water to cover until the hominy has burst and become tender, about 3 to 4 hours. Reserve the cooking liquid. If using precooked or canned hominy, skip to Step 2.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the hominy, pork, oregano, chipotle, cumin, and onion. Add enough water or hominy-cooking liquid to cover the ingredients by about an inch. Simmer the mixture until the pork is tender, which will take approximately an hour. Adjust the liquid as needed to maintain a steady simmer.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Taste the pozole and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

VARIATIONS:

• Pozole with Pork, Chipotle, and Pumpkin Seeds: Elevate the dish by adding toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to the stew. Blend the seeds with a bit of the broth and stir them into the pozole, creating a delightful nutty flavor and a rich texture.
• Corn with Pork and Chipotle: For a unique twist, substitute hominy with freshly shucked corn kernels. You can either pan-roast or grill the corn kernels before adding them to the stew, enhancing their sweet and smoky flavors.

USES:

• This pozole is a versatile and delicious main course that pairs wonderfully with a range of side dishes. Serve it with Red or Green Rice Pilaf, Mexican Rice with Vegetables, or a selection of assorted cooked vegetables like cubed potatoes, carrots, chayote, sliced chard, kale, green beans, or any other seasonal vegetables. The combination of the flavorful pozole and the assortment of sides creates a vibrant and abundant feast.

Pozole with Pork and Chipotle is a flavorful and satisfying Mexican dish perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you choose to use dried or precooked hominy, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delicious and nourishing stew that will impress your guests.

Serve the pozole in bowls, ensuring that the mixture maintains a soupy consistency. Elevate the experience by offering a variety of garnishes, such as chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, diced avocado, and more. Pair the pozole with an assortment of side dishes, like rice pilaf and various cooked vegetables, to create a festive and memorable feast.

Get ready to savor the rich flavors and textures of Pozole with Pork and Chipotle, as it brings a taste of Mexico to your table and delights everyone with its hearty and comforting appeal.