Pozole Rojo Like Abuela’s

Pozole Rojo Like Abuela’s is more than just a comforting soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that connects generations. Growing up, weekends often meant family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and, of course, the delicious aroma of pozole simmering on the stove. This recipe takes me back to those cherished moments with Abuela, who would spend hours preparing her version, teaching me the secrets of perfectly balancing flavors. The combination of tender pork, vibrant chiles, and hominy creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or celebrating a special occasion with loved ones, this pozole holds the power to bring everyone together around the table. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make this delicious Pozole Rojo Like Abuela’s together!

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Why This Recipe Works

To understand why this recipe truly shines, let’s break down its elements. First, the use of bone-in pork butt is essential. It enhances the flavor while adding a richness to the broth that is simply irresistible. You’ll appreciate how every bite of meat just melts in your mouth, making the effort totally worthwhile.

Next, we layer in a blend of traditional chiles. Ancho, guajillo, and chile de arbol come together to create a deep, complex heat and a stunning color that you can’t help but admire. Let’s not forget about the slow-simmering process. Allowing the pozole to simmer for hours melds all those beautiful flavors, resulting in a comforting bowl that’s absolutely packed with love.

Why You’ll Love This Pozole Rojo Like Abuela’s

This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia. Each bowl brings back memories of family gatherings, where stories are exchanged, and laughter rings in the air. It’s like tasting love in every spoonful. Plus, you can customize it with various toppings to suit everyone’s unique palate. Whether you enjoy it topped with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or a squeeze of lime, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your pozole.

Finally, the versatility of Pozole Rojo makes it perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful choice for cozy evenings at home or festive gatherings with friends and family. The warmth it brings is unmatched, and once you serve it, you’ll find everyone wanting seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in pork butt, chopped into 2-inch pieces (save the bone)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for searing pork)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 10 cups water
• 1 large yellow or white onion, roughly chopped
• 10 cloves garlic, smashed and left whole
• 3 tablespoons roasted chicken bouillon base
• 3 large bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt to taste)
• 6 dried ancho chiles
• 8 dried guajillo chiles
• 3 dried chile de arbol (or more for extra spice)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for toasting chiles)
• 2 cloves garlic (whole for sauce)
• 1 quarter white onion (roughly chopped for sauce)
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
• 4 cups hominy, drained (from two 25-ounce cans)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1 (10-ounce) package angel hair shredded cabbage
• 10 radishes, very thinly sliced
• 3/4 white onion, finely diced
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 10 tostadas or tortilla chips
• 1 sliced avocado (optional)
• Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)

Preparing the Pork and Broth

Selecting and Preparing the Pork

To start, select a 3 to 4-pound bone-in pork butt. When you’re at the butcher, don’t forget to ask them to save the bone, as this adds incredible flavor to your broth. When you get home, chop the meat into 2-inch pieces, making it ready for cooking.

Searing the Pork

Now, heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. While the oil heats up, season your pork with kosher salt for that initial layer of flavor. Sear the pork in batches until it’s golden brown on all sides. This step gives the meat a beautiful crust, which enhances the final dish.

Simmering the Soup Base

Once all the pork is browned, return it and the reserved bone to the pot. Add in 10 cups of water along with the chopped onion, smashed garlic, chicken bouillon base, bay leaves, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, creating a rich base for your pozole.

Preparing the Chile Sauce

Roasting the Dried Chiles

While the pork simmers, let’s focus on that delicious chile sauce. In a separate pan, heat some oil and toast the ancho, guajillo, and chile de arbol until they’re fragrant. Be cautious not to burn them! Once toasted, remove the stems, seeds, and veins to reduce the heat, and then place the flesh in a dry skillet to continue developing flavor.

Making the Chili Sauce

In the same skillet with the toasted chiles, add a quarter onion along with the two whole cloves of garlic. Pour in about 4 cups of water and let this simmer for about 20 minutes. Then, blend this mixture until it’s smooth and velvety.

Straining the Sauce

Next, strain the blended chile mixture back into the pan. This step removes any remaining solids. Add in oregano and salt before letting it simmer for another 10 minutes. This extra simmering enhances the flavors, giving your sauce that wonderful depth.

Finishing the Pozole

Combining Ingredients

Once the pork is tender, take a moment to skim off any foam on the surface of the broth. Then, add white vinegar, the strained chile sauce, and the drained hominy to the pot. Bring everything back to a simmer for another 1 to 1.5 hours. This lets the hominy soak up all those flavors beautifully, and it will help adjust the thickness of your pozole as needed.

Prepping the Toppings

As your pozole simmers, you can prepare the toppings. Right before serving, set out lime wedges, shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocados. These fresh elements will really elevate your dish, allowing your guests to customize their bowls.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, ladle the pozole into bowls. Encourage everyone to use the provided toppings to add their personal touch. You can also serve tostadas or tortilla chips on the side; they offer a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the warm, rich soup.

Tips for Success

• For a deeper flavor, let your pozole sit overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. The flavors will intensify!
• Feel free to adjust spice levels according to your preferences; just modify the number of chile de arbol used, or even remove the seeds for a milder dish.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, you can try using chicken or turkey instead of pork for a different flavor twist. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, simply substitute the meat with roasted vegetables and opt for vegetable broth to keep it hearty and fulfilling.

FAQs

What is pozole?

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, typically pork, and a variety of spices. It’s often adorned with a plethora of toppings for added flavor and texture.

Can I make pozole vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the pork with a mix of roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth to create a tasty vegetarian version.

How do I store leftover pozole?

To store, allow your pozole to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze pozole?

Yes, you can freeze your pozole for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

To control the heat of your pozole, adjust the number of chile de arbol you use. Additionally, removing the seeds from the chiles will yield a milder flavor, perfect for those sensitive to spice.

This Pozole Rojo Like Abuela’s captures the essence of home cooking, welcoming everyone to gather and share in a comforting dish filled with love and tradition. Make it with care, and watch as it transforms your meal time into a cherished occasion!

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