Red Pozole: A Flavorful Fiesta in a Bowl
Pozole, a traditional Mexican stew, is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. This recipe focuses on the vibrant and richly spiced red pozole, featuring a deep, savory broth and tender pork. Get ready to experience a culinary journey to Mexico with every delicious spoonful!
Ingredients for Authentic Red Pozole
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings of delicious red pozole. Adjust quantities as needed for your group size.
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For the Pork:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder or butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Broth:
- 12 cups water
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
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For the Garnish (choose your favorites!):
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped white onion
- Radishes, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Dried oregano
- Avocado slices
Step-by-Step Guide to Red Pozole Perfection
Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your red pozole.
Preparing the Pork:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork chunks on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Stir in oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the spices: Allow the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to deepen their aroma. This is a key step for authentic flavor.
- Add 4 cups of water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
Making the Broth:
- While the pork is simmering, prepare the broth. In a separate pot, combine the remaining 8 cups of water with the dried chiles, quartered onion, and smashed garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chiles are softened.
- Remove the chiles, onion, and garlic from the broth. Blend the softened chiles and liquid in a blender until smooth. This creates a rich and flavorful base for your pozole.
- Strain the blended chile mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or stems.
Combining and Finishing the Pozole:
- Add the strained chile mixture to the pot with the simmered pork.
- Stir in the remaining oregano and cumin.
- Simmer the pozole for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper.
- Before serving, shred the pork with two forks.
Serving Suggestions:
Ladle the pozole into bowls and garnish generously with your favorite toppings. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pozole experience!
Tips for Pozole Success:
- Don't rush the cooking process: The longer the pork simmers, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your pozole will be directly affected by the quality of the ingredients you use.
- Make it ahead: Pozole tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Enjoy your delicious homemade red pozole! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Share your creations and tag us! #redpozole #mexicanfood #homemade #recipe