Let me tell you about pozole verde—it’s not just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! This traditional Mexican dish has roots that run deep in the culinary history of Mexico, often served at celebrations and family gatherings. It’s a delightful comfort food that never fails to lift my spirits. The combination of tender pork, hearty hominy, and that vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies is simply divine. Trust me, the first whiff of this soup simmering on the stove will have you dreaming of cozy evenings with loved ones. The flavors are bright, fresh, and just the right amount of spicy, making pozole verde a dish that’s both satisfying and exhilarating. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal after a long day or a dish to impress at your next dinner party, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Pozole Verde
To whip up a delicious pot of pozole verde, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups hominy: Make sure to rinse it if you’re using canned hominy to remove excess salt.
- 1 pound pork shoulder: Cut into bite-sized pieces for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer a healthier option.
- 1 cup tomatillos: Husked and chopped for that tangy punch—don’t skip these!
- 1/2 cup green chilies: Chopped, and feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 onion: Chopped to enhance the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that ties it all together.
- Salt: To taste, because a little seasoning goes a long way.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, which brightens up the final dish beautifully.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a pot of pozole verde that’ll warm your heart and fill your belly!
How to Prepare Pozole Verde
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the delicious process of making pozole verde! It’s easier than you might think, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely worth it. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large pot—this is where the magic happens! Combine the pork shoulder pieces, chicken broth, and hominy. You want to make sure everything is submerged in that rich broth.
- Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is exciting! Once it hits that boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. You’ll want to let it bubble away for about 1 hour. This is when the pork becomes tender and infuses the broth with flavor.
- While that’s happening, it’s time to whip up your green sauce. In a blender, toss in the tomatillos, green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, and cumin. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant mixture. Just wait until you smell it—wow!
- Once the hour is up, carefully add your green sauce to the pot. Stir it in gently, and let everything simmer together for another 30 minutes. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld beautifully.
- Before serving, taste and season with salt to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Serve your pozole verde hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can also add lime wedges and sliced radishes on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy every spoonful!
And there you have it! A pot of comforting pozole verde that’s sure to bring warmth to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pozole verde is one of those magical recipes that checks all the boxes! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this soup just like I have:
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe perfect for any home cook, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
- Flavorful: The combination of tender pork, zesty tomatillos, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate!
- Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious meal that keeps you feeling satisfied without the guilt.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings, making it a dish that caters to every taste.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, pozole verde is sure to impress your family and friends!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Tips for Success
Want to make your pozole verde absolutely perfect? Here are a few pro tips that I swear by:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra green chilies or even a pinch of cayenne. Just remember to taste as you go!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have pork shoulder? No problem! You can use chicken thighs or even turkey for a lighter option. Both work beautifully in this recipe.
- Serving Suggestions: I love serving my pozole with lime wedges, sliced radishes, and a sprinkle of chopped onion for that extra crunch and zing. You can also offer tortilla chips on the side for some fun texture!
- Make it Ahead: Pozole tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a bowl of pozole verde that’s truly unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying pozole verde, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving, which is about one hearty bowl:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But one thing’s for sure—this delicious soup not only warms your soul but also provides a good balance of nutrients to fuel your day!
FAQ Section
I’m sure you’ve got a few questions about pozole verde, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear:
Can I make pozole verde vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork with mushrooms or even jackfruit for a meaty texture. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version!
How spicy is pozole verde?
The spice level can vary depending on the green chilies you choose. If you prefer a milder soup, opt for poblano peppers or reduce the amount of chilies. You can always add more spice to your bowl if you like it hot!
Can I freeze pozole verde?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What toppings should I use?
I love garnishing my pozole with fresh cilantro, radishes, and lime wedges for that extra pop of flavor. You can also add avocado slices or crumbled queso fresco for a creamy touch!
How long does it take to make pozole verde?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Most of that time is simmering, so you can relax while the flavors come together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pozole verde stores beautifully, so you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. To store, simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last for about 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your pozole again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Trust me, the essence of this dish will still shine, bringing warmth and joy to your table all over again!
Print
Comforting Pozole Verde: A Heartwarming Family Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, meat, and green sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups hominy
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1/2 cup green chilies, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine pork, chicken broth, and hominy.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- In a blender, combine tomatillos, green chilies, onion, garlic, and cumin. Blend until smooth.
- Add the green sauce to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more chilies if desired.
- Can substitute chicken for pork.
- Serve with lime wedges and radishes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pozole verde, Mexican soup, hominy