Name: Favorite Pozole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2.5 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt); 4 dried guajillo chiles; 2 dried ancho chiles; 4 cloves garlic; 1 medium white onion; 2 (25-ounce) cans white hominy; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 8 cups water or chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cabbage (for topping); 1/2 cup chopped white onion (for topping); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for topping); 4 radishes, thinly sliced (for topping); 2 limes, cut into wedges (for topping); Dried oregano (optional, for topping)

Pozole is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration in a bowl. This hearty Mexican stew is steeped in tradition and flavor, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy Sunday dinner or serving it during festive gatherings, pozole is always a crowd-pleaser.

The rich, brick-red broth infused with dried chiles and tender shredded pork is only the beginning. What makes pozole so special is the customizable toppings: think crisp radishes, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of oregano. Each bowl can be built to suit your taste, making it as vibrant and comforting as you like.

What Kind of Hominy Should I Use?

For authentic pozole, canned white hominy is your best bet. It’s convenient and has that perfect chewy texture. Make sure to rinse it well before adding to your stew. If you prefer a more traditional route, you can use dried hominy, but keep in mind it will need soaking overnight and a longer cooking time.

Ingredients for the Favorite Pozole Recipe

Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt): This cut is ideal because it becomes beautifully tender and shreddable after simmering for hours.

Dried Guajillo and Ancho Chiles: These give pozole its signature earthy flavor and vibrant red color. Soaking and blending them into a smooth sauce is key to a flavorful broth.

Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that infuse the broth with deep savory notes.

White Hominy (Canned): Adds texture and body. Pozole simply isn’t pozole without hominy.

Bay Leaves and Mexican Oregano: Subtle, herby flavors that elevate the broth.

Salt and Pepper: Season generously to bring all the flavors together.

Lime, Radishes, Onion, Cabbage, Cilantro: For topping—these add crunch, brightness, and freshness to the dish.

How To Make the Favorite Pozole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chiles

Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn them!). Then, soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Blend the Chile Sauce

Once the chiles are softened, blend them with a few cloves of garlic, a bit of onion, and a splash of the soaking water until smooth. Strain the sauce to remove any skins or seeds for a velvety texture.

Step 3: Sear the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season with salt and pepper. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sear the pork pieces on all sides until browned. This adds rich, deep flavor to the base of your stew.

Step 4: Simmer Everything

Add the strained chile sauce to the pot with the pork, then cover with water or broth. Toss in bay leaves and Mexican oregano. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 2–2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 5: Add the Hominy

Rinse and drain the canned hominy, then stir it into the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the hominy soak up the spicy broth.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

Remove the pork chunks, shred them with forks, then return the meat to the pot. Discard any large pieces of fat.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the pozole and adjust seasoning as needed—salt, more oregano, or a splash of lime juice for brightness.

How to Serve and Store This Favorite Pozole Recipe

Pozole is meant to be enjoyed fresh, hot, and with all the toppings you can pile on. Serve it in deep bowls and set up a topping bar for everyone to build their own masterpiece. Crisp radish slices, shredded cabbage, chopped white onion, lime wedges, dried oregano, and fresh cilantro are the essentials. Don’t forget warm tortillas or tostadas on the side for the ultimate comfort pairing.

Got leftovers? Even better. Pozole tastes richer the next day. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply simmer on the stove or warm in the microwave. You can also freeze pozole (without the toppings) for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pozole?

This recipe leans on the mild side, with rich chile flavor but not much heat. You can always kick it up with extra dried chiles or hot sauce when serving.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work wonderfully. Reduce the simmering time to about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is fork-tender.

What if I can’t find Mexican oregano?

Regular oregano can work in a pinch, but Mexican oregano has a slightly citrusy, more robust flavor. If you can find it, it’s worth using!

Is pozole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on your canned goods and toppings.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the pork and make the chile sauce as usual, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, adding the hominy in the last hour.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the pork for jackfruit or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get that deeply satisfying flavor with the chile base.

Want More Soup and Stew Recipes with Soul?

If this Favorite Pozole Recipe warms your heart, you’ll want to try these other comforting bowls next:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a cheesy, rich pasta night.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup with creamy, zesty flavors and effortless cooking.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s hearty, meaty, and full of comfort.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup with bold Mediterranean flavor in every spoonful.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you love pasta-rich stews with umami goodness.

Each of these recipes brings its own twist on cozy, flavorful meals. Bookmark a few for the next time you’re craving something heartwarming!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for your next cozy cooking day.

And tell me how your pozole turned out! Did you go all in on toppings or keep it simple and classic? I love hearing your tweaks, flavor boosts, and traditions. Feel free to drop a comment with your experience or questions—we’re in this kitchen journey together.

Find even more of my daily recipe shares on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

Favorite Pozole Recipe

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Print Recipe

Description

A traditional Mexican stew made with tender pork, a rich red chile broth, and chewy hominy. This comforting dish is topped with crisp radishes, cabbage, onion, lime, and cilantro for the perfect balance of warm, spicy, and fresh flavors. Great for gatherings or a flavorful meal prep option.