Pork Pozole Rojo: A Hearty and Authentic Mexican Comfort Dish
Pork Pozole Rojo is a deeply flavorful and traditional Mexican soup made with tender, slow-cooked pork, hominy, and a rich red chili broth. This dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Garnished with crisp radishes, creamy avocado, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for an authentic pozole recipe, an easy pozole recipe, or a taste of New Mexico-style pozole, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 3 hours | 6 servings |
Ingredients for My Pork Pozole Rojo
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups hominy, drained and rinsed
- Radishes, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Lettuce or cabbage, shredded, for garnish
- Avocado, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Pro Tips for Success
- Sear the Pork for Extra Flavor – Browning the pork before simmering adds depth to the broth.
- Soak and Blend the Chilies – Softening the chilies in hot broth and blending them creates a smooth, flavorful red sauce.
- Simmer Low and Slow – Cooking the pork for several hours ensures it’s tender and falls apart easily.
- Customize the Garnishes – The toppings add freshness and texture, so don’t skip them!
- Make It Ahead – Pozole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Pork Pozole Rojo
1. Sear the Pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chunks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Toast and Soak the Chilies
In the same pot, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Remove and place them in a bowl with 1 cup of hot broth, letting them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
3. Blend the Chili Sauce
Transfer the soaked chilies and broth to a blender.
Add minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth.
4. Simmer the Pozole
Return the seared pork to the pot and pour in the chili sauce.
Add the remaining chicken broth, quartered onion, and bay leaf, then bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2.5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
5. Add the Hominy
Stir in the drained hominy and let the soup simmer for 15 more minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the pozole into bowls and garnish with radishes, lettuce, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges on the side.
AI Image Prompt: A rustic bowl of pork pozole rojo, garnished with sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. A lit candle and a halved lime sit beside the bowl, with a warm, cozy ambiance in the background. The image is taken with an iPhone 15 Pro from a close-up blogger-style shot.
Serving Suggestions for Pork Pozole Rojo
| Pairing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm Corn Tortillas | Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. |
| Crispy Tostadas | Adds a crunchy contrast to the tender pork. |
| Mexican Rice | A delicious and filling side dish. |
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for an easy make-ahead meal!
Suggested Drink That Pairs With the Dish
A bold red wine like Tempranillo or Malbec enhances the smoky, rich flavors of the pozole. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca complements the dish beautifully.
Enjoy!
Now that you have all the steps, ingredients, and pro tips, it’s time to make this authentic and flavorful Pork Pozole Rojo! Whether for a family gathering or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. ¡Buen provecho! 😊🍲🌶️
