Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, pork, and a rich, flavorful red broth. This hearty and comforting dish is often served during celebrations and gatherings. Follow this recipe to create an authentic Pozole Rojo at home and enjoy a taste of Mexico’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 8 cups water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cans (25 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
For the Red Sauce:
- 6 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 4 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups water
For Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Sliced radishes
- Diced onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips or tostadas
Instructions:
Preparing the Soup:
- Cook the Pork:
- In a large pot, combine the pork shoulder, water, chicken broth, halved onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Return the shredded pork to the pot.
- Add the Hominy:
- Add the drained hominy to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Preparing the Red Sauce:
- Soak the Chiles:
- Place the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce:
- In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, garlic, chopped onion, cumin, oregano, and 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a separate pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended chile mixture and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the Sauce:
- Strain the red sauce through a fine mesh sieve into the pot with the pork and hominy. Stir well to combine and simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving:
- Prepare Toppings:
- Arrange the shredded lettuce or cabbage, sliced radishes, diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and tortilla chips or tostadas in separate bowls for serving.
- Serve Hot:
- Ladle the Pozole Rojo into bowls and let guests add their favorite toppings.
Pozole Rojo is a rich and flavorful Mexican soup that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. The combination of tender pork, hearty hominy, and a savory red broth makes this dish a true culinary delight. Enjoy Pozole Rojo with a variety of fresh toppings for a customizable and satisfying meal. ¡Buen provecho!