Pork Pozole Rojo

Delve into the rich and hearty world of Pork Pozole Rojo, a traditional Mexican stew that warms both the body and soul. This dish is a celebration of flavor, featuring tender pork simmered to perfection in a savory broth infused with aromatic spices and vibrant guajillo chiles.

Topped with fresh garnishes like shredded cabbage, radishes, and cilantro, each bowl is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe not only nourishes but also brings people together around the table. Get ready to savor a dish steeped in culture and comfort!

Pork Pozole Rojo

Ingredients:

6 pounds pork pozole mix (trotters, neck bones, and pork shoulder cubes)

5 quarts water

1 onion, peeled and quartered

1 head garlic, peeled and crushed

2 bay leaves

8 ounces dried Guajillo chile pods

1 tablespoon Mexican dry oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

1 can (108 ounces) hominy, drained

Garnishes

1 cabbage, shredded

2 bunches radishes, stemmed and sliced thinly

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 bunch cilantro, stemmed and chopped

limes, cut into wedges

tostadas

Instructions:

In a large deep pot, combine pork and water.

Bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top.

When the broth clears, add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons of salt.

Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, adding more water in 1 cup increments as needed to maintain about 4 quarts.

Remove stems off chili pods.

Pry open and remove seeds.

In a bowl, soak in about 2 cups warm water for about 30 minutes or until softened.

In a blender, process softened chilies and the soaking liquid until smooth.

Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the red sauce to remove any stray bits and pieces.

Add red sauce to the pot of simmering meat.

Add Mexican oregano and cumin.

Add hominy.

Continue to simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until meat is fork tender.

Season with salt to taste.

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with toppings.

Serve piping hot with tostadas and lime wedges.

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Note 1:

If you want to use uncook cacahuazintle corn (hominy) and cook it yourself, rinse the corn, remove any grain that looks dry or old.

Place the corn in a pot with enough water to cover it at least 8-10 centimeters above the corn kernels.

Add a quarter of a white onion, two cloves of garlic, you can also herbs like bay leaves and thyme.

Cook for about an hour and a half until the corn opens. It may take less or longer, it depends on how old the corn is.

This is for 1-½ lb. of corn.

When the corn is already cooked, drain it and add it to the pozole as indicated in the recipe.

Note 2:

You can prepare the sauce a couple of days in advance so that it is not so elaborate to do it all the same day.

The sauce can also be frozen and used for other stews such as adobos or enchiladas.

Note 3:

The Pozole tends to enhance its flavors the next day, so if you are going to prepare it for a party or special occasion you can cook it in advance, and just reheat it.

Besides, it keeps very well in the freezer including the hominy, and it takes great when you reheat it weeks later.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 | Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different cuts of pork for the Pork Pozole Rojo?

Yes, you can use different cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork ribs instead of the specified pork pozole mix.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat becomes fork-tender.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! The spiciness of the pozole can be adjusted by adding or reducing the number of dried Guajillo chile pods used in the recipe.

You can also remove the seeds from the chiles for a milder flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish by substituting the pork with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

To store leftovers, let the pozole cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Can I freeze Pork Pozole Rojo?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for longer storage.

Allow the pozole to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What is pork pozole mix, and where can I find it?

Pork pozole mix typically consists of trotters, neck bones, and pork shoulder cubes.

You can usually find it at specialty meat markets or butchers.

If you can’t find the specific mix, you can use a combination of these cuts or ask your butcher for recommendations.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Brown the pork in a separate skillet, then transfer it along with the other ingredients (except garnishes) to your slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and settings.

Can I prepare the Pozole Rojo in advance?

Yes, Pozole Rojo can be made in advance.

It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

What is the difference between pozole and menudo?

Menudo varies from region to region, but generally is made with some cut of beef, hominy, and plenty of peppers.

It most commonly contains beef “honeycomb” tripe, which comes from a specific chamber of the cow’s stomach.

Pozole rojo, as in my pork and hominy soup, is made with pork. It also tends to be a little less spicy.

Is traditional pozole red or green?

They’re both traditional. There are actually three types of pozole: green, white, and red.

Green pozole is made with chicken or my favorite, shrimp, fresh peppers, and tomatillos, whereas the red pozole recipe — which we’re enjoying here — is usually prepared with dried chiles and pork. White pozole contains no chiles at all.

How much chile powder equals one chile?

It depends on the chile. For our Guajillo and Ancho chiles, one whole pepper is the equivalent to one heaping tablespoon of dried and ground.

The smaller Arbol chile amounts to roughly ½ teaspoon if dried and ground.