Hearty Pozole Soup with Pork and Vegetables

 

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Final Touches:

   • Adjust seasoning with salt and add lime zest if using.
   • Remove bay leaves from the soup.

6. 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? 😊