Go Back
A close-up shot of Mexican pork and hominy stew in a rustic bowl. The tender pork and hearty hominy are visible in the rich red broth.

Pork Pozole Recipe (Authentic & Easy)

This authentic and easy Pork Pozole Recipe delivers a rich, flavorful Mexican stew with tender pork and hominy in a savory red chile broth. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, complete with all the traditional garnishes.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

For the Pozole
  • 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 4 dried Guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 2 dried Ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 1 large white onion halved
  • 6 cloves garlic divided
  • 2 cans hominy (25 oz each) drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 10 cups water
For the Garnishes
  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • Sliced radishes
  • Diced white onion
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot
  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve

Instructions
 

  1. Wipe the dried chiles clean. Cut off the stems, slice them open, and remove the seeds. Place a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for 30-60 seconds per side until fragrant. Immediately place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until softened.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the cubed pork, half of the onion, and 4 cloves of garlic. Add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, skim off any foam, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender.
  3. Drain the softened chiles and add them to a blender with the remaining onion half, 2 cloves of garlic, Mexican oregano, and 2 cups of the pork cooking liquid from the pot. Blend until completely smooth.
  4. Place a fine-mesh sieve over the pot with the pork and pour the chile sauce through it, using a spatula to press all the liquid out. Discard the solids. Add the drained and rinsed hominy and salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 45-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the pozole hot in bowls, and let everyone add their favorite garnishes.

Notes

Do not burn the chiles when toasting, as they will become bitter.
Straining the chile sauce is a key step for a smooth, authentic broth.
The pozole's flavor deepens as it sits, so it's even better the next day.
QR Code linking back to recipe