Dive into the heart of Mexican cuisine with a bowl of Posole with Red Chile Pods—a dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This traditional recipe combines tender pork, hearty hominy, and a vibrant red chile sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a festive fiesta. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something comforting, this deliciously rich and aromatic stew is sure to impress. Ready to discover the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups hominy, rinsed
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 4 cups water
- 4 dried red chile pods
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Garnishes: lime wedges, radishes, cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the dried red chile pods by removing stems and seeds. Toast the pods lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side to release their aromatic oils.
- Place the toasted chile pods in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the pork shoulder chunks over medium-high heat until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing with the pork until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain the soaked chile pods and blend them in a blender with 1 cup of their soaking liquid until smooth, creating a rich red chile sauce.
- Pour the blended chile sauce into the pot with the pork, along with the rinsed hominy and 4 cups of water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, and lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Choosing the Right Pork: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render down and enrich the broth as it cooks.
- Toasting the Chile Pods: Don’t skip the toasting step! It enhances the flavor of the chiles, bringing out their natural oils and adding depth to your sauce.
- Soaking the Chiles: Make sure to soak the chile pods long enough to soften them. This will make blending them into a smooth sauce much easier.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chile pods or remove the seeds before soaking. For more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Garnishing: The garnishes are not just for decoration! Fresh lime, cilantro, and radishes add a refreshing contrast to the rich stew, enhancing your overall dining experience.
- Leftover Magic: Posole tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator, and enjoy the flavors as they continue to meld.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your posole with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
