Classic Posole: A Hearty Mexican Hominy Soup
Warm your soul with my easy posole recipe! This authentic Mexican soup is perfect for dinner gatherings or cosy nights at home. Give it a try!

look into Into Classic Posole: A Hearty Mexican Hominy Soup
Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried a classic posole , you’re seriously missing out! this traditional mexican dinner is like a warm hug on a chilly night.
Picture it: tender pork, hominy, and a zesty broth that dances on your taste buds. seriously, what’s not to love?
A Taste of Tradition
Posole, or pozole, is an ancient dish that traces back to the aztecs. it’s got that rich cultural vibe, you know? typically served during special occasions, this dish brings families together—it's the kind of food that makes you feel at home.
Plus, it’s not hard to whip up! with a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of about 2 hours and 20 minutes , you’ll have a fabulous meal ready for 6 to 8 folks (or just you, if you’re feeling adventurous!).
Benefits That Will Wow You
Now, let me tell you about the perks! the star of this show is its heartiness. this soup is loaded with fiber from hominy and packed with protein from the pork.
Talk about a nutritious powerhouse! you can totally serve this at family gatherings or even as a cozy friday night dinner after a long week.
What makes this recipe so special? it’s comforting, vibrant, and the toppings—oh, don’t even get me started! fresh cilantro, crisp radishes, lime juice—each bite is an explosion of flavors.
Personal Touches
When i first made posole, i was a bit intimidated. i mean, any time you're dealing with something that has such history behind it, you want to do it right.
But honestly, as soon as i poured that savory broth and added the hominy, my kitchen smelled like heaven. and when i topped it with all those colorful fixings? i felt like a culinary genius!
Ready to get your hands dirty? let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need, because this authentic mexican soup is just a stir away.
Whether you're planning a hearty dinner with friends or want to cozy up on the couch, this pazole soup mexican style is sure to hit the spot!
Classic Posole: A Hearty Mexican Hominy Soup Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment for Classic Posole
Here's the scoop on what you need for this Classic Posole: A Hearty Mexican Hominy Soup . I’ll break it down so you won’t be sprinting around the kitchen searching for last-minute ingredients!
Main Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) vegetable oil—this is what gives everything a nice sauté.
- 1 medium onion , diced—look for ones that feel firm and smell sweet.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced—fresh garlic is always best. If it’s sprouting, chuck it!
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin—an absolute must for that warm flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano—go for the Mexican kind if you can; it has a little extra kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, if you're feeling spicy!)—remember, you can always add more heat later.
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken or vegetable broth—homemade broth is like hugging flavor, but store-bought works too!
- 2 cans (15 oz or 425 g each) hominy, drained and rinsed—look for that plump, slightly chewy goodness.
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces—trust me; it gets tender and messy in all the right ways. If you prefer chicken, swap it out!
- Salt and pepper—to taste.
For Garnish:
- 1 cup (150 g) shredded cabbage—adds crunch, for sure.
- 1 cup (150 g) radishes, thinly sliced—seriously, they brighten up the dish.
- 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh cilantro, chopped—it's the herb that makes your taste buds dance.
- Lime wedges—for that zesty finish.
- Avocado and diced onion (optional)—because who doesn't love extras?
Seasoning Notes
Authentic posole is all about those amazing spice combos! don’t skip the ground cumin and dried oregano ; they’re essential.
If you’re in a pinch, paprika can sub for cayenne, but don’t blame me if it’s not spicy enough!
Equipment Needed
You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this posole. Here’s what you should grab:
- Large pot or Dutch oven—your trusty companion on this culinary journey.
- Wooden spoon or ladle—for mixing it all together.
- Chef’s knife—don’t skimp on a good knife; it makes chopping a breeze.
- Cutting board—don’t be that person chopping on your countertop!
- Measuring cups and spoons—precision is key, even in casual cooking.
Cooking posole, especially an authentic pozole recipe mexican , is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. you’re going to love how simple it is to put together, and it’s mainly about letting all those flavors develop.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get that pot ready! you’ll be slurping down this delicious red chili stew in no time.
And hey, if you’ve got leftovers, rejoice! it tastes even better the next day. happy cooking!

Cook Like a Pro: Diving into Classic Posole
Alright, my friends, let’s chat about classic posole , or as some like to spell it, pozole ! this hearty mexican hominy soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a big warm hug in a bowl.
Think of those chilly nights when you'd give anything for something comforting. that's exactly what this soup offers!
Prepping Like a Boss
First off, let’s get that mise en place ready. chop your veggies, measure your spices, and set out your ingredients.
This will save you time and help avoid any last-minute scrambling. oh my gosh, nothing is worse than realizing you forgot the garlic while the pot’s simmering!
And don’t forget safety, especially if you're wielding sharp knives. Keep fingers away from the blade. Seriously, you don’t want a trip to the ER becoming part of your cooking story.
Step-by-Step to Comfort Food Glory
Sauté aromatics : heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. toss in 1 diced onion and cook until it’s all translucent — about 5 minutes .
The smell alone is to die for! stir in 4 minced garlic cloves , 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for that kick.
One more minute cooking, and you’re golden.
Build the broth : pour in 6 cups of chicken or veggie broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add in 2 cans of hominy and 1.5 pounds of pork shoulder (or chicken thighs if you wanna go lighter).
Simmer : lower the heat, sprinkle on salt and pepper, cover, and let it bubble away for about 1. 5 hours or until that pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Give it a stir every now and then!
Serve : Ladle that beautiful soup into bowls and top it! Think shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime. You’ll be all like, “Where has this been all my life?”
Pro Tips To Elevate Your Game
Want to take your posole to the next level? here are a few tricks i’ve learned along the way. first, brown the meat before adding it to the broth.
It makes a world of difference! also, if you can swing it, use homemade broth. trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Oh, and a quick warning: letting your posole sit for about 10 minutes before serving really helps those flavors mingle and shine.
One common mistake: Not adjusting the spice level to your taste. If you like it spicy, get wild with that cayenne!
And for those prep-ahead folks—this soup keeps great in the fridge overnight. The flavors deepen, making it even better the next day.
So there you have it! making posole at home isn’t just easy, but it’s also a chance to bring a little traditional mexican dinner flair into your kitchen.
The next time you're looking for a cozy dish, don’t forget about this one! give it a shot, and i promise you'll impress everyone at your dinner table.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Classic Posole
Serving Suggestions to Wow Your Guests
When it comes to plating and presentation , let me tell ya, a little effort goes a long way! pour your hearty posole into a deep bowl—this dish deserves to shine! top it with a colorful mix of shredded cabbage , thinly sliced radishes , and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro .
Oh, and don’t forget that squeeze of lime . it adds that bright pop of flavor!
For sides, serve with warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips. those crunchy bites are perfect for scooping up that delicious broth.
If you’re feeling adventurous, crack open a cold mexican lager or a refreshing agua fresca to wash it all down.
Trust me; it’s a match made in heaven!
Storage Tips—Keeping the Goodness
Now, if you've got leftovers (which you probably won’t, because it’s that good!), store your classic posole in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days . just make sure it cools down before you seal it up!
Freezing is also an option. pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months . when you’re ready to dig in again, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
Variations Galore!
Feeling like changing things up? you can easily adapt this dish for different diets! for a vegetarian posole , swap the pork shoulder for mushrooms or go all in with more hominy.
Use vegetable broth to keep it hearty and comforting.
Seasonally, if you catch fresh green chiles at the market, give them a try! They can really jazz up your posole and add a fun twist to the traditional flavors.
Nutrition Basics—Feel Good Eating
So, what’s in this delicious bowl of goodness? each serving packs a punch with about 300 calories , 25g of protein , and enough healthy carbs to keep you going.
The real star here is the hominy —it’s a great source of fiber, which is always a win for the tummy! plus, the real kicker? it’s comfort food that can actually help boost your mood.
Seriously, who doesn’t feel cozy after a bowl of posole?
In short, making classic posole is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly night. the taste, the aroma—everything just feels right and good for the soul.
So, gather your ingredients, throw on your favorite playlist, and let’s get cookin’! you’ve got this, and your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is posole, and what makes it special?
Posole, also spelled pozole, is a hearty Mexican soup made with hominy, which is corn treated with an alkali. It stands out for its rich flavors and is typically garnished with fresh toppings like cabbage, radishes, and lime, bringing together a delightful crunch and brightness. It’s not just a meal, but a tradition often served during significant gatherings and celebrations in Mexican culture.
Can I make a vegetarian version of posole?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian posole by substituting pork with mushrooms or additional hominy and using vegetable broth instead. This way, you'll still enjoy a deliciously rich and comforting soup without compromising on flavor. Just throw in some extra veggies to bulk it up!
How do I store leftover posole?
Leftover posole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months, but keep in mind that the texture of the hominy may change slightly once thawed. A great tip is to store the garnishes separately to keep everything fresh for your next serving!
Is posole healthy?
Posole can be a wholesome option, especially when made with lean cuts of meat and loaded with fresh toppings. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and you can control the salt content by using low-sodium broth. Just watch the portion size, as it can be easy to go back for seconds—it's that good!
What are some good side dishes to serve with posole?
Posole pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips, which are perfect for dipping. You might also consider a light Mexican salad or a refreshing agua fresca to complement the hearty soup. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fiesta right in your own kitchen!
How can I adjust the spice level in my posole?
You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding fresh chiles, such as jalapeños. If you prefer a milder taste, start with a small pinch and gradually increase to your liking. Remember, you can always add spice, but it’s tricky to take it out—like trying to leave a pub once you've had one pint too many!