Pozole Verde Recipe: A Delicious and Authentic Mexican Soup in 2024

Introduction

Pozole verde recipe is a traditional Mexican soup that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with tender pork, hominy, and a variety of green ingredients such as tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños. The result is a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Pozole Verde Recipe

Ingredients and Instructions

Pozole Verde Recipe

Course: MainCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

minute

Calories

400

kcal

To make pozole verde for 6-8 servings, you will need:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed

• 2-3 jalapeños, stemmed and seeded (adjust to taste)

• 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed

• 2 (29 oz) cans hominy, drained and rinsed

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• In a blender, combine the tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
• Pour the green sauce into the pot with the pork and onion mixture. Stir to combine.
• Add the drained hominy and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Pozole verde is traditionally served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Some popular options include:

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Diced onion
• Sliced radishes
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips or tostadas
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream

Encourage your guests to customize their bowls with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Tips and Variations: Pozole Verde Recipe

• For a spicier pozole verde recipe, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños or add a serrano pepper to the blender when making the green sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the hominy with the back of a spoon or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
• Leftover pozole verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the pork with diced potatoes, zucchini, or other vegetables of your choice. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use plant-based protein sources like black beans or tofu.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the use of dairy.
• Tortilla Options: While corn tortillas are traditional in enchiladas, you can also use flour tortillas for a softer texture. For a low-carb or gluten-free option, consider using lettuce wraps or zucchini tortillas.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different enchilada sauces like green enchilada sauce (made with tomatillos) or a creamy avocado sauce for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

• Mexican Rice: Serve your enchiladas alongside a flavorful Mexican rice dish to complete the meal. You can prepare it with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make an excellent side dish for enchiladas. You can either prepare them from scratch or use canned refried beans for convenience.
• Guacamole and Chips: Offer a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a crunchy and creamy accompaniment to your enchiladas.
• Salsa and Sour Cream: Provide a variety of salsas (like pico de gallo or salsa verde) and sour cream for guests to customize their enchiladas according to their preferences.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assembling in Advance: You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is particularly helpful when preparing for a gathering or busy weeknight meal.
• Freezing Instructions: Enchiladas freeze well, making them ideal for meal prepping or having a ready-to-go dinner option. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating Leftovers: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Repurposing Leftovers: Transform leftover enchiladas into a new dish by chopping them up and using them as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.

Conclusion

Pozole verde recipe is a delicious and comforting soup that showcases the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. With its tender pork, hominy, and zesty green sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a festive dish to share with friends and family, pozole verde recipe is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this authentic and satisfying soup.