Hearty Pozole Soup with Pork and Vegetables

(A traditional Mexican pozole with a rich, flavorful broth, tender pork, and hearty vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal.)

Ingredients

Meat:

2 lbs pork shoulder (cut into chunks)
1 lb pork ribs (optional, for added flavor)
4 slices bacon (chopped) (optional, for smokiness)

Vegetables:

1 large onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups hominy (canned or dried, soaked overnight)
2 cups green chilies (diced)
2 medium carrots (sliced)
1 medium zucchini (diced)
1 cup cabbage (chopped)
1 cup corn kernels (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 medium tomato (diced)

Broth & Seasonings:

6 cups chicken broth
2 cups pork broth (or use additional chicken broth if not available)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tsp lime zest (optional, for brightness)
Salt (to taste)

Garnishes & Toppings:

Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Lime wedges
Radishes (sliced)
Shredded lettuce
Crumbled tortilla chips or tostadas (for crunch)
Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pork:
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add pork shoulder and pork ribs (if using) to the pot and brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the meat and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add carrots, zucchini, green chilies, cabbage, and tomato and cook for another 3 minutes.
Simmer the Pozole:
- Return the pork to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth, pork broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaves, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 ½ - 2 hours, or until pork is tender and falling apart.
Add Hominy & Corn:
- Stir in hominy and corn kernels (if using).
- Simmer for 30 more minutes, allowing the hominy to soak up the flavors and become tender.
Final Touches:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and add lime zest if using.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup.
Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, and crumbled tortilla chips or tostadas.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema for extra creaminess.

Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Tender pork cooked in a flavor-packed broth
✅ Variety of vegetables (carrots, zucchini, cabbage, hominy) for texture and nutrition
✅ Rich, smoky flavors from chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and bacon
✅ Crispy toppings and fresh garnishes for the perfect balance

Would you like a spicier version or a slow-cooker adaptation? 😊

Hearty Pozole Soup with Pork and Vegetables