Big Pot of Fresh Pork Posole

This Fresh Pork Posole is a traditional Mexican stew that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.

Tender pieces of pork are slow-cooked with bold chile sauce, aromatic spices, and hominy, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

It’s easy to prepare in a crockpot, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Serve it with fresh garnishes like cabbage, onions, and lime for a vibrant and authentic touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Fresh Pork Posole because it’s a warm and comforting dish packed with bold, authentic flavors.

The tender pork, combined with the hearty hominy and savory chile-infused broth, creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

It’s incredibly versatile, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with fresh garnishes like crunchy cabbage, zesty lime, and crisp radishes.

Plus, the ease of preparation in a crockpot makes it a low-effort yet impressive dish, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Key Ingredients:

The key ingredients in this Fresh Pork Posole include pork loin, diced into bite-sized pieces for tenderness, and red or green chile sauce, which infuses the broth with rich, smoky flavor.

Hominy adds a hearty texture and a mild corn taste, while salt, garlic powder, and oregano season the dish, enhancing the depth of flavor.

The recipe is simple yet full of comforting, satisfying ingredients that make it a perfect, flavorful meal.

Fresh Pork Posole Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pounds pork loin, diced

1-2 cups red or green chile sauce (adjust to taste)

8 cups water (or enough to fill the crockpot)

2 (15-ounce) cans hominy, drained and rinsed (or use fresh if available)

1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Garnishes:

Shredded cabbage or lettuce

Diced onions

Sliced radishes

Lime wedges

Chopped cilantro

Tortilla chips

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork: Dice the pork loin into bite-sized pieces and add it to your crockpot.

Add the Chile and Water: Pour the chile sauce over the pork, then fill the crockpot with water, leaving about 2 inches of space from the top to allow room for the hominy.

Cook the Pork: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.

Add the Hominy: After 3 hours, add the drained hominy to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.

Season the Posole: Add the salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Finish Cooking: Continue cooking on high for another 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the hominy to soften.

Serve: Ladle the posole into bowls and serve hot with your choice of garnishes like shredded cabbage, diced onions, radishes, lime wedges, and cilantro.

Notes:

For a smokier flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Fresh or frozen hominy can be used for a more authentic flavor but may require pre-cooking.

Enjoy this warm and hearty posole as a comforting meal for any occasion!

Notes:

Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans)

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Easy Coffee Cake Muffins

Pork Choice: While pork loin is used in this recipe, you can also opt for other cuts like pork shoulder for a richer, fattier texture. If using a fattier cut, skim the excess fat off the broth before serving for a leaner option.

Adjusting Spice: The amount of chile sauce can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. If you like a milder posole, use less chile sauce or opt for a mild variety. For more heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Hominy: Canned hominy works well for convenience, but fresh or frozen hominy will add an even more authentic taste. If using fresh or frozen, make sure to cook it beforehand.

Slow Cooker Time: If you’re short on time, you can cook the posole on low for 6-7 hours instead of high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to slowly develop while you go about your day.

Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with garnishes. Besides traditional options like shredded cabbage, lime, and cilantro, you can add radishes, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

Freezing: Posole freezes well! Make a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to adjust the consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or pork belly for a richer, more flavorful broth.

Pork shoulder, in particular, becomes very tender and adds a bit more fat, making the posole even heartier.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a tougher cut.

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop instead.

Simply brown the diced pork in a large pot, add the chile sauce and water, then bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2-3 hours until the pork is tender, then add the hominy and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! To make the posole spicier, you can increase the amount of chile sauce or add finely chopped fresh chilies like jalapeños or serranos.

For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth.

Can I freeze leftovers of this posole?

Yes, posole freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply defrost and warm it on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

What can I serve with this posole?

Posole is traditionally served with various garnishes, such as shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro.

You can also pair it with tortillas, tortilla chips, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.

How do I ensure the pork is tender?

To make sure the pork is tender, it’s important to cook it low and slow.

If using a crockpot, cooking on high for 3 hours or low for 6-7 hours will allow the pork to break down and become tender.

Avoid overcooking the pork, as it could dry out or become tough.

What type of chile sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use either red or green chile sauce, depending on your preference.

Red chile sauce tends to be richer and slightly smoky, while green chile sauce is often tangier and milder.

Both options will add a great depth of flavor to the posole.

Can I add vegetables to the posole?

Yes, you can add vegetables to the posole for extra flavor and nutrition.

Consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots at the beginning of the cooking process.

You can also stir in some greens, like spinach or kale, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How can I make the broth thicker?

If you’d like a thicker broth, you can mash some of the hominy with a potato masher before adding it to the pot.

Another option is to simmer the broth uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce it and intensify the flavors.

Is it necessary to add garlic and oregano?

Garlic and oregano are essential for enhancing the flavor profile of the posole.

However, if you prefer a different seasoning, you can substitute oregano with other herbs like cumin or thyme, and adjust the garlic amount based on your taste preference.

The dish will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor.