Pozole

Cookbook Category: Soups & Stews, Tex-Mex

Pozole is one of the best known dishes of Jalisco, Mexico, but it has found its way into Mexican restaurants in Texas. Traditional pozole recipes can require most of a day to cook, but this version takes a little less time. Even so, slow simmering will allow the flavors to develop. Pozole is served with a garnish tray with fresh ingredients, so that each person adds the his own final touches.

2 tablespoons canola oil
2-1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 cups good chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons ground mild red chile (New Mexico, Anaheim) or chili powder
3 cups canned white hominy, drained

Garnishes

thinly sliced radishes
shredded iceberg lettuce
finely chopped onion
chopped cilantro
lime wedges

Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium, and add the onion and garlic to the pan, cooking just until onion softens, about 3 minutes.

Return pork to dutch oven and add the chicken broth, oregano, salt and ground chiles or chili powder. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 90 minutes. Add hominy and cook for 15 minutes more. Check seasonings and add more chile powder or salt according to taste.

Ladle into soup bowls and pass garnishes. Serve with hot corn tortillas.

Makes about 6 servings.